A TEENAGER who was struggling with anorexia two years ago is set to take on the Simplyhealth Great North Run on Sunday.

Two years ago, Tom Halstead could not even consider running a half marathon, let alone taking part in one.

Diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, it caused rapid weight loss and fear of food.

Now the 18-year-old student, from Widnes, is preparing to run the Simplyhealth Great North Run in the hope that people suffering mental health problems get the same support he did.

He said: “I had a negative relationship with both food and exercise, I saw exercise as a form of punishment; a way of self-harm not an improvement to overall health.

“Before signing up for the Simplyhealth Great North Run I only really went to the gym in an effort to go from a place of weakness, the lowest point in my illness, to a feat of strength. I had to understand that every bite taken wasn’t a sign of weakness but instead possibly an extra kilo lifted at the gym or perhaps an extra kilometre ran.

“I have not been inspired as such to take up running but I would say that I have been driven to take up running. Three years ago, I didn’t think I would be able to run as I was battling with anorexia. Now I am fit and healthy and ready to show that there is life after anorexia.”

Through his progress, Tom has decided to raise money for the charity Mind, who not only helped him, but also his great grandfather who suffered from depression after losing his job.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

He added: “I am raising money for Mind this year. The reason for this is because Mind support those who suffer from mental health illness which unfortunately affects more and more people every year. Mental health can affect anyone at any point in their lifetime.”

To raise as much money as possible and prove his relationship with exercise is a positive one once again, Tom has been training like a machine, and his diet has followed suit.

“I don’t want to stop my weight training as it is something I enjoy and will also help me in the run. With that in mind I find myself strength training five days a week and running three days a week.

“I tend to sleep past breakfast most mornings – I’m only young!

"I then have a solid lunch, dinner and supper. I tend to stick to a diet consisting of enough protein to keep my muscles repairing, enough carbohydrates and healthy fats to give me my energy to train, with my favourite meal being porridge.”

Tom will have all his support network there on the day to raise a huge sum for Mind: “I take pride in knowing that every step taken closer to the finish line, is a step closer to battling against mental health.”

To help people get the most out of life, everyday healthcare provider Simplyhealth has launched a train and prepare section online. Please visit .greatrun.org/training-simplyhealth for tips and inspiration. For more information on Mind’s work see mind.org.uk