Published on: 23rd September 2021
A Lincolnshire woman has thanked the county’s mental health, learning disabilities and eating disorders trust for saving her life as she prepares to take on her first ever London Marathon.
Jessica Riley was first referred to services at Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust at the age of 14 and has since been diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and an eating disorder, as well as depression and anxiety.
Miss Riley, now 31, has faced a huge battle with her mental health and has been admitted into hospital 20 times.
However, the Welton resident now feels much happier in herself and says much of that is down to the help and care she has received from staff at LPFT.
She said: “I don’t think I would be alive without LPFT services to be quite honest.
“The hospitals have kept me alive and having the support in the community has been incredible.
“Even things like getting me out of the door and having that point of call if I needed to speak to someone has been a huge help and comfort.”
Miss Riley, who is studying biology with the Open University, remains under the care of the Trust’s new personality and complex trauma team, as well as receiving care from a Community Psychiatric Nurse.
She says staff have been a huge support in getting her active, by supplying nutrition advice and mental health care, helping her to rediscover her love of running.
She said: “I used to run as a teenager but then my eating disorder got worse, so I had to take a break from it as it was getting quite obsessive.
“I started running again in January for the fun and enjoyment. I then decided I wanted to do the London Marathon.
“If I want to get stronger then I have to eat and that’s been really good for me. The more I have got in that mindset, the more I have started enjoying running again.
“It gets me out the door, and uses up nervous energy and anxiety.
“The social networks and groups surrounding running are amazing and regardless of how I feel once I’m out there running, it makes me feel strong, happy and like me again.”
Miss Riley, who confesses before January she had never ran more than 10k, is now preparing to take on the gruelling 26.2 mile marathon in England’s capital on Sunday, 3 October.
She added: “I am very nervous as because of the pandemic, I am not used to being around lots of people, but I am also very excited.”
Miss Riley is representing the mental health charity, Mind.
You can find out more about her fundraising at http://www.JustGiving.com/fundraising/jesslondonmarathon21
