A woman will jump out of a plane at 10,000ft to help raise awareness of the vital work of an eating disorder charity.

Amy Collier, 26, from Braintree, suffered from anorexia for five years.

She has decided to take on the daring skydive challenge to raise money for Beat.

The charity helps provide round the clock support for people across the country who suffer eating disorders.

Amy said: “Having suffered from anorexia for many years and having to face the daily battle against my mind, I am now so grateful for my new lease of life in recovery.

“I want to help others attain the freedom from eating disorders that they so deserve.”

She went through many types of treatment including in-patient, day-patient, and community support as she battled the condition.

“I was lucky enough to get the help I needed but unfortunately so many people do not,” she said.

“Eating disorders not only affect the sufferer but also hugely effect the friends and family surrounding them.

“I had lifelong friends that turned their back on me whilst I was ill because of how difficult it was to face the changes in me.

“I felt an outsider often during my years of anorexia, as most social situations became daunting.

“I know my family also greatly suffered because of the pressures of dealing with such a consuming illness.”

An estimated 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder, which are serious mental illnesses, and include binge eating disorder, anorexia and bulimia.

Amy added: “It is so important that we talk about mental health in the same way we do physical health and help build a greater understanding of eating disorders and in turn greater help for everyone affected.”

Amy will take the leap from the plane in her skydive on October 6.

Beat’s Community Fundraising Officer Andrea Auburn said: “Amy is making a huge step in raising awareness and money to help ensure that eating disorder sufferers get support.

“Amy is joining dozens of other brave volunteers who are skydiving to beat eating disorders. The courage of people like Amy taking part in the Big Jump will help ensure that fewer people face their battle alone."

Last year Beat supported more than 17,000 people.

Amy is hoping to raise £450.

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amycollier-92.