THE Inner Wheel District 24 will hold a Step and Smile walk along Southend Pier on Friday.

The event is being held during Eating Disorders Awareness Week, to raise awareness for Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.

The Association of Inner Wheel clubs has chosen Beat as its charity of the year.

Inner Wheel District 24 chairman Janet Larkey said “Come to the pier for a breath of fresh air on Friday at 11am to wave us off or join the walk.”

Beat’s community fundraising officer Andrea Auburn, said “We are delighted that Inner Wheel District 24 is organising this walk to help raise awareness of these serious mental illnesses.

“Their kind support will help Beat to change the lives of more people affected by eating disorders”.

At least 725,000 people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder, they are serious with anorexia having the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric condition.

Early intervention is crucial in saving lives and Beat can provide the first contact to guide and support people in accessing the treatment they need.

The charity supports thousands of people every year through its helplines, message board and text services, which are funded by supporters.

It runs youth and adult helplines which people can call or email, online information, message boards and support groups and HelpFinder, an online directory.