A-level student to jump out of plane to raise awareness about charity’s work with eating disorder sufferers and their families.

A 17-year-old A-level student from Honiton is preparing to jump out of a plane - to raise awareness about a charity’s work with eating disorder sufferers and their families.

Mariah Abbey, 17, has battled anorexia and says: “I don’t know where me and my mum would be without B-eat, to be honest.”

B-eat is in the process of setting up a local support group and King’s School student Mariah has agreed to help raise money by taking part in a tandem sky dive from 10,000 feet over Dunkeswell.

Weather permitting, the sky dive will take place on January 22 next year.

“I want to raise �750 and, in just two days last week, I raised �175,” said Mariah.

“It is about raising awareness as well as money.

“With B-eat, you can talk to people on a one-to-one basis online.

“I was scared of getting support, but B-eat gave me the courage to go to my school nurse.

“The charity points you in the right direction and gives you some idea of what is going to happen next.”

Mariah admits: “I’m a bit scared about jumping out of a plane, but I want to give something back and raise awareness about the charity’s work.”

Her mum Becky said: “I think she is so brave. I’m really proud of her, but did think can’t we just make cakes or something.”

Mariah has some words of advice for anyone suffering in silence with an eating disorder.

“Seek out B-eat,” she said.

“Don’t sit and suffer on your own, because it gets ten times worse.”

You can sponsor Mariah by visiting www.doitforcharity.com/Mariah

B-eat provides online help and advice and local support groups. find out more by visitng www.b-eat.co.uk