Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This is a very difficult and emotional thing to type! 

As some of you are aware or might not be, (I am sure you will be as I tell everyone!!) I am running Paris Marathon, and have decided to raise money for Reynards and Scleroderma UK. I have chosen this charity because unfortunately we lost my uncle on Christmas Eve, due to this condition and I want to raise awareness and money to help research this condition. 

It’s been a tough time, but he will be with me through every mile throughout the marathon, and when things get tough, I will think of him. He never whinged about this condition no matter how much pain he was in, and was extremely strong throughout. If you have any spare change, no matter how big or small, please donate - it will mean a lot to me and all my family. 

What is scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a rare, chronic disease of the immune system, blood vessels and connective tissue. 2.5 million people worldwide have scleroderma, and in the UK there are 19,000 people diagnosed.

It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissue in the body.

The name of the condition comes from the Greek, 'sclero' for hard, and 'derma' for skin. This hardening of the skin can be one of the first noticeable symptoms of the condition, as the body produces too much collagen.

This excess of collagen can affect the skin, joints, tendons and internal organs. It causes scarring and stops the affected parts of the body from functioning normally.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.