Firstly, thank you so much for taking time to visit my page, please stay a little longer and let me tell you about the small yet mighty cause I am fundraising for.

My late Uncle Bill suffered from a rare bleeding disorder called Haemophilia. It's a genetic condition, which makes it difficult for blood to clot. Usually when we stumble and graze a knee, or nick ourselves shaving, our blood will form a clot, we can put a plaster over it and forget about it. We heal up like magic.

For haemophiliacs, the bleeding can go on and on, meaning that simple scrapes can lead to large losses. It is common for haemophiliacs to need blood transfusion, they are some of your customers if you "pop out to save a life" at the local blood bank.

Luckily in most cases the blood will come from healthy happy people like you or I, although sometimes there can be a shortage of good blood. In the 70s and 80s, blood stocks were low and there was a huge shortage of safe blood.

My Uncle Bill was one of the unlucky guys who was transfused with contaminated blood which was supplied by companies from the USA who paid risky and vulnerable people to donate, such as drug users and former prisoners. High volumes of blood were contaminated with Hepititis C and HIV, both very serious and highly contagious diseases.

Uncle Bill tragically passed away after contracting HIV as well as Hep C and developing cirrhosis of the liver, this all happened when I was very young. All I have are memories of an incredibly doting Uncle and an inspirational man who kept fighting until the end. His widow, my dear Aunt Linda has worked tirelessly in his memory to expose his story and to support others who have been affected.

The Haemophiliac Society continues to support and represent people like Bill and our family through practical advice, emotional support and counselling as well as parliamentary lobbying on contaminated blood products. 

On November 4th 2012 I will be running one of the toughest marathon courses in the world - New York City. I would love to take this opportunity to raise awareness and funding for The Haemophiliac Society, so please do sponsor me and help me smash my target.

Love from Katie xxx