If you know me, you’ll know that running is not typically my thing and so running the London Marathon will be a huge challenge! I’m equal parts nervous and excited, but mostly, I can’t wait to go!

I’ve chosen to raise money for Lupus UK - a charity close to my heart having watched my mum suffer with the disease my whole life.

For those who don’t know, Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting around 50,000 people in the UK. Typically our immune system works tirelessly to create antibodies, protecting the body from sickness, infections and disease, but for those with Lupus, the immune system does the opposite, creating autoantibodies that instead attack the body’s healthy tissue, organs and systems.

With a compromised immune system, Lupus affects every aspect of my Mum’s life, triggering pain, impacting mobility and causing a multitude of knock-on health issues.

There is currently no cure or full understanding as to what causes Lupus which is why I have chosen to raise money and awareness for this important and lesser known charity.