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In August 2008, whilst pregnant, I became very unwell and baffled numerous doctors and consultants with my numerous symptoms. Finally in September 2009 I was diagnosed as having a rare form of Vasculitis called Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA).  It was a devastating diagnosis, with no known cure and potentially fatal.

In December 2009 a pulmonary embolism led to a stay in hospital and an unwanted reminder of my own  mortality but more importantly led to a period of reflection on what truly matters in life.

I am one of the lucky ones, my kidneys and lungs remain clear and I am monitored closely. A nasty flare in September 2016 led to a blood transfusion and more recently a referral to Addenbrookes and in June I underwent an infusion of Rituximab, a biological drug that will hopefully put me into long term remission. I am pleased to now be part of two medical research programmes.  I am a fighter and my form of Vasculitis isn't going to dictate how I live my life, at least not just yet!

Call me crazy but I honestly think exercise keeps my illness at bay. I see it almost as a way of distracting my body and keeping it busy by repairing my muscles following a hard workout.  Of course there is no scientific fact behind this theory, but it works for me!

I turned 40 on 28 April and I have this overwhelming urge to do something really positive in my 40th year of life.  My GPA will never be cured but that's all the more reason to raise some money to help fund more research into Vasculitis and its various forms.  If it helps just one person, then I have achieved something. 

So, I kick off my 40th year with the following;

9th July 2017 - Southend half marathon

30th September 2017 - Climbing Mount Snowdon

15 April 2018 - Brighton marathon

There are many things on my list of 40 things to do at 40 and am also hoping to add cycling events and numerous other running events to the list!

I will post regular updates but in the meantime thank you for taking the time to visit my page and read my story x