Welcome to my fundraising page and thank you for visiting! I'm Catherine and I’m running the Edinburgh Half Marathon for the EOS Network.

Why the Edinburgh Half Marathon?

Edinburgh is where this all began for me. As a trainee Clinical Scientist studying the gastrointestinal tract, I first came across Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE) in a patient sent to us at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for investigations of difficulty swallowing food. It was quickly apparent that the condition was poorly recognised and that there was more work to do in understanding its pathophysiology. A few years down the line I am now studying EoE for my PhD (the SWALLeOeW Study).

What is Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE)?

Eosinophils are white blood cells involved in inflammatory responses. Whilst they are helpful in some cases, when they build up in the digestive system, they become problematic. In EoE, the inflammation is an allergic response, localised in the oesophagus, which can make doing everyday things such as eating challenging.

What is the EOS Network?

EOS Network is a wonderful charity set up to ensure people with eosinophilic-associated diseases receive prompt, accurate diagnosis, the right treatment for them, and support to live with their condition. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent individuals feeling alone and lost with their symptoms: 'People made me think I was mental' (participant from the SWALLeOeW Study). My research has also already highlighted the importance of receiving a diagnosis in giving people the tools to be able to talk about their condition and navigate difficult social situations involving food.

My two aims

1) To raise as much as possible for the EOS Network and raise the profile of a small charity doing a GREAT deal to improve the lives of those with eosinophilic diseases.

2) To get round the course in under 2 hours. I don’t consider myself a running enthusiast, but I am pretty determined.

Final words

The EOS Network has been instrumental in raising the profile of eosinophilic diseases. Within my own research I see how essential the support and resources that the charity provide are for people with these conditions that are not well known within the population. Your support is greatly appreciated.