When the first lockdown was imposed on us all in March 2020 and the pandemic began to change our lives forever, my life also changed at the same time when my husband, Liam, was diagnosed with EGPA Vasculitis. It’s a very rare auto immune disease where your immune system attacks itself and eventually your organs. Before treatment for EGPA was available, it was universally fatal. If it wasn’t for the pandemic, the detection of ANCA in Liam’s blood wouldn’t have been investigated as thoroughly as it was. So I thank the doctors who didn’t stop testing until they diagnosed him.  He had all the early symptoms of coronavirus which made the diagnosis even more complicated in the middle of a pandemic. If they hadn’t diagnosed him at this stage, the outcome would not have been a positive one. EGPA does attack your organs but with modern treatment and further research this has improved massively! However, the research and awareness needed to find not only alternative treatments but also a cure costs money, as does everything these days...

Every charity needs help and awareness however sometimes  it’s only when you are personally affected by something that you tend to believe it’s the most important Charity out there. Because it’s affected your life as you know it. 

For those who know Liam well, you will understand that he has coped and is dealing with this like the trooper he is. He had months of chemotherapy in 2020 but continued to work and help others when they needed it because that is who he is. You wouldn’t know there was anything wrong with him because he doesn’t tell anyone, perhaps because he doesn’t want to have pity and partly denial. However now I’m plastering it all over social media to raise as much money as I can. 

We don’t know what the future holds for us and he will have relapses however I hope and pray that by raising money we can make a small contribution to the work Vasculitis UK do and perhaps more importantly elevate the awareness of EGPA.

So on 14th August, I am climbing 5 mountains in one day. Including England’s highest mountain, Scafell. There is absolutely no way I could do this on my own so I have built up a small blue and white army (Liam is a huge Stockport County Fan) to help carry me. They are all absolute legends for wanting to take part in this challenge and to climb these mountains, to raise awareness, save Liam’s life and potentially help many more Vasculitis patients.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for donating. 

Much love and thanks to you all.