An eating disorder sufferer in Burnham-On-Sea who owns a Crufts-winning dog has raised over £570 by holding a unique fundraising initiative this month to raise funds for a cause close to her heart.
Vanessa Holbrow – known as Ness – and her re-homed Border Terrier, Sir Jack Spratticus, won the Crufts 2018 Friends for Life award last year, as Burnham-On-Sea.com reported here.
Ness suffers from a complex eating disorder, and makes jewellery as a therapeutic hobby.
The items she makes are branded after her dog, and she has just completed a week-long ‘Make-a-thon’, making 100 pieces of jewellery to raise funds for Beat, a charity that helps people with eating disorders.
Her fundraising – which was held as part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week – was well supported by local people.
“A surprising number of people came to Unwind Hair and Beauty in Berrow to either look at or purchase a piece of my jewellery which I was really exciting!” she told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“Eating disorders are secretive illnesses, leaving those who suffer from them in isolation. To counteract this, we work to end the stigma individuals face by increasing awareness and understanding of these serious mental health conditions.”
“We hope this work will encourage people to reach out for support and increase the understanding of families, friends, colleagues and professionals so they are able to empower them towards the first steps in recovery.” To donate, click here.
