My journey with lupus began in October 2023. I was thriving, living in a new city, in a new country. Life felt full of promise and adventure.

It started with a small rash. Day by day, it spread across my body. Day by day, I became sicker, weaker, and in more pain. Endless doctors, specialists and testing all followed. I waited for answers.

Hospitals replaced the office. Pain replaced energy. Fear replaced ease. The burning sensation in my skin made sleep almost impossible. Swelling and rashes made leaving the house difficult. Much of it was invisible to the outside world—but inside, my immune system was at war with my own body. I had been completely healthy and fine until suddenly I wasn’t. My mind couldn’t make sense of it.

After eight months, I finally received a diagnosis: a form of Lupus so rare that many medical professionals have never seen it. Lupus itself is a rare, chronic, incurable autoimmune disease that can affect every part of a person’s life. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. It is often an invisible illness with many people with lupus looking “fine” while battling relentless joint pain, overwhelming fatigue, burning rashes, and the anxiety that comes with every new symptom. There is no cure, only lifelong management.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve had to build new dreams and goals. One of those is running the London Marathon, because the effects of lupus can change everything, and there may be a time when this isn’t possible for me.

So in April, I will be running the London Marathon, not just for myself, but for everyone living with lupus. For the team of specialists looking after me with such incredible care. For the continued support of Lupus UK. And for hope of better treatment, greater understanding, and one day, a cure.

If you are able to donate or share my fundraising page, you will be helping Lupus UK continue their vital work. The money raised goes towards supporting people at every stage of their diagnosis journey. They offer trusted information, emotional support, and guidance at a time that can feel frightening and overwhelming.

They also fund incredibly important research into better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. At the same time, Lupus UK supports specialist nurse training, helping nurses develop expertise in lupus care. This not only improves the quality of support patients receive, but also frees up valuable time within the NHS for GPs and consultants—leading to better, more efficient care for everyone.

Every contribution, no matter the size, truly makes a difference. Your support helps create hope, progress, and better futures for people like me living with lupus.