LUPUS UK is the national charity supporting people with LUPUS.

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I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2017 following debilitating joint pains, fatigue & pleurisy which is inflammation of the lining of the lungs. I was treated with low dose chemotherapy and things stabilised until 2019 when my kidneys started to come under attack.  Thanks to my amazing doctor at the Wessex Kidney Centre at Queen Alexandra hospital, Portsmouth I was treated with high dose steroids and immune suppressant medicines and thankfully my kidney function has been preserved and I am once again stable on a number of daily medications. 

Unfortunately many people with Lupus are not so fortunate and go on to experience declining kidney function, dialysis and transplantation. Lupus is a lifelong autoimmune condition that predominantly affects women with a 9:1 ratio to men. The average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is 7 years! During this time many people suffer poor health & unseen organ damage. 

A normal functioning immune system seeks out viruses & other invaders by making antibodies to protect the body however with Lupus the immune system becomes overactive & makes antibodies against the organs and DNA of the body itself causing much damage. Strong immune suppressant treatments are required to dampen down the immune system to stop the damage but unfortunately these medications although vital, can cause their own side effects requiring further interventions. 

I am taking part in the 31- mile challenge for the month of October by walking a mile a day (challenging in itself for many with Lupus) in the hope of raising awareness of Lupus and to raise money for Lupus UK to help with funding for the development of new targeted treatments specifically for Lupus.

Thank- you for reading about Lupus. I would be so very grateful if you feel able to sponsor me for any amount as every penny will go to Lupus UK,

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.