An Ipswich woman who began running in March after recovering from an eating disorder has completed one of the country's best known half marathons.

Chloe Taylor, 26, completed the Great North Run in 2 hours and 46 minutes at the weekend whilst raising money for BEAT, a charity that supports friends and family of those suffering with eating disorders. 

Miss Taylor has raised over £900 for the charity that supported her during her illness and was determined to do something to give back to the organisation that helped her when her "life was turned upside down".

Miss Taylor has been raising money for the charity that support her during her illnessMiss Taylor has been raising money for the charity that support her during her illness (Image: Chloe Taylor)

She said: "I have always wanted to do something big that is going to make a difference to peoples lives.

"I also thought that this year is my year to do something for myself to improve my own lifestyle and to make a difference to the lives of others."

The 26-year-old was first diagnosed with anorexia in 2015 when she 17 studying at One Sixth Form College in Ipswich. 

Miss Taylor began running in March with a colleagueMiss Taylor began running in March with a colleague (Image: Chloe Taylor)

Her illness led to her dropping out of university and time spent in psychiatric wards as a teenager, the longest of which was a period of five months in 2017.

But with the support of her family and the charity, Miss Taylor is enjoying a successful career as an executive assistant at East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).

Miss Taylor said: "My sister has worked as a social worker and my mum has been great, they both know lots about eating disorders so they've been able to help.

"My colleagues at work have been incredible, I am really fortunate that I have had great people to support me.

The Great North Run took Miss Taylor from Newcastle to South ShieldsThe Great North Run took Miss Taylor from Newcastle to South Shields (Image: Chloe Taylor)

"It is just awful to see that [eating disorders] can take lives, but it is amazing to see that you can recover from it."

She has set up a fundraising page which can be found here.

If you need support with eating disorder contact Beat on their hotline 08088010677 which is available 3pm to 8pm Monday to Friday or see their website.