I was diagnosed with lupus in 2010 and Lupus UK provided me with great support through (for example) reading material and the local contacts provided by the South and East Scotland Regional Group.

I've been very lucky in that I was diagnosed very quickly and the treatment I was prescribed has been successful. Now that I'm controlled on treatment, and no longer on steroids (that suppressed my immune system), I feel able to take on the challenge of an open water swim, and to raise funds for a great charity. Many people with lupus aren't as lucky as I am, and the condition can lead to life threatening organ damage. So here I am, taking part in the British Gas Great Scottish Swim at Strathclyde Country Park - a one mile open water swim. Yikes!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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 now.