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It never occurred to me that one day I’d wake up sick and never get better and I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus 9 years ago. Thanks to advances in treatments, I can have a normal, or near normal life expectancy. Since my diagnosis and sudden end of my working career in a job I loved, I began a new episode which became a potentially spirit crushing challenge. I was the terrified pill popping, body fighting warrior, a veritable pin cushion for the doctors and specialists, whilst I smiled through the tears. I was told that my immune system is making antibodies that would normally fight infections and illnesses, but instead it’s busy attacking me so I literally take a bag full of medication including chemotherapy medication. Consequently, every day is a constant and exhausting battle to survive in a body that is tired, in constant pain and wants to destroy me. It is not easy to survive when you’re physically self-destructing from the inside out.

My unerring resolve to carry my life forward has come from needing and wanting to be there for my children, and engendered by my family and friends, and the Lupus UK charity, enabling me to get back on my feet whenever I get knocked down. Lupus takes everything out of me knocks me down and sometimes puts me in hospital, but with this support, I lift myself back up again.

This charity has played an important role in my life since Lupus. Four years ago I wanted to continue my studies so I enquired about a part-time course at a college. However I was refused admittance because I could not guarantee 100% attendance. The Lupus UK charity advised me to apply for a University course where such discrimination to entrance as this did not take place. I have now finished the Foundation Degree in Early Years course and am also working part-time. This has given me back my self-esteem, something I had lost years ago and something that a tablet cannot fix. To be perfectly honest I am totally winging it, work, motherhood, sickness, bad hair days...pretty much everything! However, I am happy to say that I am not scared of Lupus anymore; I’ve become a strong, fearless fighter. Because of Lupus UK’s important role in my life, I’d like to share with you a great opportunity to help me fundraise for this charity.

May 10th is World Lupus Day, and “Crushing Lupus Together” is a wet balloon challenge fundraising event in which two people have to try and pop a balloon without using their hands and feet. I ask for all people taking part who burst the balloon to donate. Please join us:

* Saturday 28th April, 2018 worksop town centre outside the unicorn  11am-4pm
* Saturday 5th May, 2018 worksop town centre outside the unicorn 11am-4pm
* Saturday 5th May, 2018 outside Rewind, 2                Carlton Road, Worksop, S80 1PH, 10pm until late 

One of my colleagues will be filming people attempting the balloon popping. I would love if you would nominate friends and family on FB who’d be into having a bit of fun whilst supporting Lupus UK, and they will be part of an ever growing group who are raising awareness as well as fun and laughter. Furthermore, a couple of companies have donated prizes for the funniest videos.

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.