In June 2020 I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition, Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid (MMP).

The consultant explained to me that there was no cure but treatment could control some of the effects of the disease which in my case included blisters to the scalp, chest, neck, mouth and other sensitive areas.

I left the hospital and wanted to find out more information to answer all the questions flashing around my brain, however, good reliable sources of information where limited.

After a year of research I stumbled across the website of PEM Friends, which was a real turning point for me. On their logo they had four words which still stand true, "You are not alone" and to be honest until I found the group I did feel alone!

I am a regular at parkrun and find that running is good for my physical and mental wellbeing. Running is a big part of my life and I can still post a decent time despite the fatigue from taking medications, although on bad days it becomes extremely challenging.

The charity

PEM Friends main aim is to provide support and advice to people diagnosed with pemphigus or pemphigoid. They are not are experts, but, as fellow patients or carers, they have a lot of experience and empathy to share.

Most people who contact PEM Friends find there is someone who has, or is going through, a similar experience to them or their loved one.

What challenge is Ian doing

I ran my first ultra marathon in 2021, and at the age of 65, I will be running my 5th.

On the 25th July 2026 I will run South West Coast 50 Ultra Challenge raising money for PEM Friends. The challenge starts in the shadows of Dunster Castle. The 50Km loop takes in the first Minehead section of the famous costal path, then heads over Exmoor with ups and downs and magnificent views with over 1600 metres of climb, the equivalent to 533 flights of stairs. It will be tough but nothing to how some Pemphigoid and Pemphigus patients suffer.

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