Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I was diagnosed with Lupus in August 2011.  Lupus is an automimmune disease which essentially means that my body is allergic to itself.  Instead of my white cells fighting infection and foreign bodies, they attack my joints which leaves them very swollen and very painful. I also can suffer severe fatigue, which leaves me without any energy and very very tired, when I am in that state, life can quite literally pass me by.  Lupus is a very debilitating disease and unfortunately, a life threating disease.

However, running and my various other sports is what keeps me spured on.  I had planned after my diagnosis to quit running, but if I do that, I am allowing Lupus to beat me.  I may have Lupus, but it doesnt have me.  My running is no longer about getting that Personal Best, its about starting and finishing a race, concentrating on that aspect of running allows me, for that moment, beat lupus!

At present I am definitely signed up to run the Baxters River Ness 10k, and my entry is in to be balloted for the London Virgin Marathon 2013, these are a challenge for me at the best of times but running with Lupus adds to that challenge.

*UPDATE* On June 17th I am doing the Nairnshire Challenge, which involves a 12.2 mile run/hike and a 17.7mile cycle, this is a HUGE challenge for me, training has been slow and if you know the area, you will know it is far from being flat terrain!!!! This is through a lot of hills, hard going terrain underfoot and the cycling is mainly uphill!! 

Lupus UK provides so much support to Lupus patients, they have been a god send to me, and this is why I want to give back, and bring my running shoes out of retirement.

Along with supporting patients, they also help with funding to research this disease, unfortunately, there is not enough known about the illness, we dont know why it strikes certain people (90% female between the ages of 15-55, but also men too) and unfortunately, the disease is, at present, incurable.  With funds hopefully, one day, we will be able to hear that there is a cure for Lupus, and not another life lost. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate as much as you can for this wonderful charity that has done so much for me and my fellow 'lupie' patients. Thank you.  xx