About LUPUS UK

Systemic lupus is an incurable disease of the immune system.

It is a condition where instead of protecting you, the defence mechanism begins to attack itself through an excess of antibodies causing inflammation of the joints and muscles and other organs. 

The disease may be triggered by various means, and can sometimes mimick other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis etc. 

The cause of lupus is not known and LUPUS UK is doing all in its power to find this cause through its various medical research projects across the country.  It also funds specialist nurses at lupus clinics. 

The charity provides care and support for not only the lupus sufferer but also the friends and families who need to understand this complex and life threatening disease.

It provides information for GPs and nurses in the hope that an early diagnosis can be made for the patient.

Lupus is for life but with medication it is controllable and LUPUS UK's aim is to one day find a cure.

Our history

LUPUS UK was founded in 1978 by Cheryl Marcus who herself suffered with lupus.

Cheryl set up a small group of sufferers and the charity grew.  In 1990 it became LUPUS UK, having previously been under the umbrella of Arthritis Care and known as the S.L.E. Aid Group. It achieved its own charitable status and LUPUS UK began.  

Its aim is to care for people with lupus and their families by providing information and giving them support in their times of need. 

It sends out regular newsletters and holds meetings with medical speakers etc.  It has an annual conference where people discuss the many aspects of this complex illness and ways in which to help the sufferer.  

The charity has a welfare fund which helps members with items of equipment i.e. wheelchairs, stairlifts, pain reducing machines, bath lifts, or anything that will enhance the quality of life.

LUPUS UK sponsors research projects across the country in the hope that one day a cure will be found