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'You are not alone if you have an eating disorder'

Jenny Thomas Lois Vidamour, Hannah Langlois, Emily Savident, Alex Oliver, Suzannah Tostevin, Sophie De La Mare, Orla Rabey, Abi Tardivel, Jenny Thomas and Hannah Vidamour (left to right) sat riverside in Copenhagen. Jenny Thomas
Lois Vidamour, Hannah Langlois, Emily Savident, Alex Oliver, Suzannah Tostevin, Sophie De La Mare, Orla Rabey, Abi Tardivel, Jenny Thomas and Hannah Vidamour (left to right).

Young women are calling for more support and awareness of eating disorders (ED) in Guernsey.

In September, 11 local women travelled to Copenhagen, Denmark, to run and support each other in a half-marathon - supported by two of their friends - in order to fundraise for a mental health first aid (MFHA) course to help parents and carers of young people who were struggling with eating disorders.

With more than £4,500 raised, they put the first course on in October and said they were set to run another in February 2025.

Organisers Jenny Thomas and Lois Vidamour, said they wanted to help after supporting their friends through "devastating" ED journeys.

Lois Vidamour Lois Vidamour and Abi Tardival cheering running the marathon. Lois Vidamour
The group said it is important to de-normalise the mentality behind eating disorders.

The group said they hoped the course would empower people to have a greater understanding of eating disorders and feel more confident to support those struggling.

Miss Thomas said: "Our friend was saying one of the best things for her recovery was just knowing other people are going through that as well and you are not alone."

Miss Vidamour, who also ran the race, said the course would hopefully make it "easier for people to open up".

She said: "From the side lines watching it, you just feel so helpless, and we asked what can we do."

Lois Vidamour and Jenny Thomas smiling at the St Peter Port lighthouse. They are dressed in running quarter zips and their hair is tied back.
Lois Vidamour and Jenny Thomas said the group had opened up a wider conversation about eating disorder awareness

Miss Thomas said they have "had conversations with people across the island to see how we can try and improve support for people with eating disorders in Guernsey".

Following the success of their fundraiser, Miss Thomas said: "We're proud, but it kind of shows how big of a problem it is and that so many people are struggling with this behind closed doors.

"It's also highlighted the lack of support there is for supporters. So, when you're trying to support someone who is struggling with an eating disorder, that can be really tricky as well."

Jenny Thomas Nine 22-23 year old women smiling in front of a Copenhagen sign. Jenny Thomas
Orla Rabey, Isabelle Walker , Alex Oliver, Abi Tardivel, Jenny Thomas, Emily Savident, (left to right, top row) Hannah Langlois, Lois Vidamour and Suzannah Tostevin (bottom row).

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