As many of you are aware I ‘live with Lupus’. I was diagnosed in July 2013 after a pretty serious flare, but I was looked after so well by all my Doctors and was back on the most normal path of life which was now possible for me. Over the years I’ve had many ups and downs, but last year took it’s toll on me, and on everyone close to me. Between pregnancy, a new raging flare up, and many, many other complications, I was very ill for the most part of last year.

My baby, Mary, was born prematurely. She was perfect! But unfortunately she didn’t survive. If we hadn’t gone through with delivery, neither of us would have made it. She saved my life! But the guilt and the ‘what if’s’ that come along with this is unimaginable. Barbara, the Bereavement Midwife, has been incredible in helping me through thee most difficult time in my life. Now, 10 months later, I’m only starting to scratch the surface of what my husband and I have been through and it is not easy.

So, to put my focus into something positive I am holding a coffee morning on Saturday 7th August and all proceeds will go to Lupus UK (NI) and The Royal Maternity Hospital, Bereavement Service. Lupus UK are a great support and I hope to raise awareness of Lupus and hopefully in the not too far away future we’ll have a cure. Treatments are improving as the years go on, and for this I am so very grateful.

There are also a couple of volunteers having their hair cut on the day to donate to the Little Princess Trust. This is something also very close to my heart as hair loss is another big part of Lupus. I was glad we were in lockdown for the most part of my experience last year. The only silver lining!

Next time I’ll make a start on repaying the rest of the people who helped me immensely along my journey.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this. Would love to see you on the 7th!

Fiona.