*Please note although Mark’s name is attached to the page this is a group effort for a shared cause!*

In May of 2022, Rosie (our friend/ fiancée/ sister) was diagnosed with an exceptionally rare tumour in her pelvis, an almost 10cm Xanthogranuloma of the sacrum. After many doctors appointments, including seeing a specialist team in Newcastle, she was diagnosed with histiocytosis. Histiocytosis is an umbrella term for a handful of conditions which affect people all of ages. Rosie waited many months for a diagnosis and has now started chemotherapy and steroids by way of treatment. 

The people we have encountered in the NHS have been truly wonderful, but one thing you quickly realise is that rare frequently means no money. Research for this disease is very thin on the ground, due to some serious underfunding for studies and research. Myself, along with a group of friends are running the Tough Mudder in June in aid of raising some funds for Histio UK, who are a research charity, with their main goal in finding the cure to beating these awful conditions. Not only this, but Ruridh and Sarah are supporting our cause by running the Edinburgh half marathon in May! 

For research charities such as this, money makes a real, tangible, profound difference to the lives of people impacted. 

Anything you can offer in support would be so deeply appreciated.