AN anorexia sufferer has raised more than £500 for an eating disorder charity by hosting jewellery make-athon.

Vanessa Holbrow from Berrow made 100 pieces of handmade jewellery from February 25 to March 3 to mark Eating Disorders Week and raise money for BEAT, a charity which helps people with eating disorders.

The 47-year-old has struggled with her eating disorder for 35 years and makes jewellery as a therapeutic hobby.

She said: "I like to do fundraising to raise awareness of eating disorders and the amazing work that BEAT do.

"My health has not been very good lately so I wanted to do something sedentary in order to raise funds.

"I already make jewellery called JackSpratt jewellery, which is named after my dog, Sir Jack Spratticus, and sell it in Seabreeze in Burnham-on-Sea so I came up with the idea of doing a charity make-athon.

"I made 100 pieces by Sock it to Eating Disorders Day on March 1 and have raised £574.

"I have been fundraising for BEAT for about four years now and have managed to raise £5,000 for them which is fantastic."

Vanessa sold her jewellery at Unwind Hair and Beauty in Berrow earlier this month and said she was pleased people came out to see her colourful creations.

The 47-year-old said she has no plans to stop fundraising and remains dedicated to spreading awareness of eating disorders.

"I have had a positive response to my jewellery and people have been really supportive of my fundraising," Vanessa said.

"I have been a part of BEAT one way or another for 25 years.

"I have survived against many odds stacked against me. since the word go. That is no exaggeration, it is purely a fact and a passion and purpose close to my heart is to speak out and do what I can.

"At the end of the day we all need to sock it to eating disorders, it’s something that many can relate to as many people have difficulties with food and dieting.

"BEAT recognises that they must raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder and encourage and empower people to take action now – no matter how long their symptoms have been present.

"For this reason it is imperative I do my part and I am so pleased I have managed to raise funds to help them."