I'm running The Great North Run (Half Marathon) and raising money for the British Skin Foundation the charity for skin disease and skin cancer to raise money for research projects that will hopefully result in cures or at the very least, a better understanding of the numerous skin conditions that affect millions of lives in the UK..like mine!

As many of you are aware I have a rare skin disease called Urticaria Pigmentosa Mastocytosis it is an uncommon abnormal accumulation of mast cells in the skin and sometimes in various other parts of the body.

Mastocytosis may affect primarily the skin (called cutaneous mastocytosis) or other parts of the body (called systemic mastocytosis).Mast cells accumulate in the skin, stomach, intestine, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow (where blood cells are produced). Organs may continue to function, with little disruption. But if many mast cells accumulate in the bone marrow, too few blood cells are produced, and serious blood disorders, such as leukemia, can develop. If many mast cells accumulate in organs, the organs malfunction. The resulting problems can be life threatening. 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.

It affects my life in many ways mainly being allergic to lots of things. Things that most people would take for granted like being able to have anaesthetic, codeine, morphine, the list is endless. Then theres the rash which I try my best to hide.

There is currently no cure!

I would be extremely grateful for any donations!

So please dig deep and donate now.