Her game. For life.
Netball has been unapologetically “hers” since its inception more than a hundred years ago; a mark of distinction unparalleled in any other sport. For the best part of a century, the netball family has worked alongside England Netball to create opportunities for women and girls to get on court and experience the thrill of the game for themselves. This has resulted in over 2.5 million women and girls flourishing in the game each year, and countless stories that collectively point to one thing: netball changes lives.
NETBALLHer is here to raise the bar for women and girls through the creation of expert resources, game changing learning offers and by being a strong and responsible voice for “her”.
Lucy's Story
Lucy has been fundraising for BEAT, the UK's eating disorder charity that supports those with an eating disorder, their friends and family, as well as professionals working with or worried about an individual in their care.
BEAT is a charity very close to me as I suffered with anorexia in 2023 and was admitted to hospital for three months. I was at my lowest and saw no way out.
Unfortunately, many people struggle with eating disorders, more than you probably think. Eating disorders don’t just come down to food, there’s a lot more to it, a form of control and a way to deal with emotions and it’s so important people get the support they deserve.
If I hadn't got the help I needed I wouldn’t be here today. I missed out on a year of my life, I was only just surviving and my body was shutting down. Fortunately, with the help of professionals, my family and friends, I took the hardest step I ever have had to towards recovery. I have had to re-learn everything I already knew about food.
Running really does help me realise how important it is to fuel your body and what your body can really do for you! Now, more than a year into recovery my views have changed, it’s not about how you look, what you weigh or what others think of you, there is way more to life, memories to make with the people you love and a whole world out there to experience.
To anyone who is in the position I was in last year, I promise it does get better and there is hope. I am running the Edinburgh Marathon for you, I want to show you there is a life after battling an eating disorder. You will never feel ready to recover but the right time is now, take the first step towards recovery which is always the hardest part and don’t look back. I promise you won’t regret it. This time last year I never imagined I would be in the position I am in today. This run isn’t about me, it’s about all the other people suffering, those who are suffering in silence and afraid to get help, I really do know how you feel. BEAT helps people fight, find the inner strength and get back the life they deserve.
That's why I decided to take on another challenge. On the 25th of May 2025, I ran the Edinburgh Marathon for BEAT the eating disorder charity, 26.2 miles later in heat, wind, rain and hail I completed the biggest challenge I have ever done.
Wiltshire County Netball Association raised £75 selling refreshments at the County U/16 playoffs and in total, to date I have raised over £1000.
Finally, the biggest thank you goes to my Mum and Dad for never giving up on me - without their support I would not have made it through.
