As a 22 year old finishing her masters, our daughter Morvern could not have predicted that having a mild case of covid in 2022 would send her immune system out of control and see her hospitalised and diagnosed with Dermatomyositis- a lifelong, rare autoimmune condition that affects 1 in 100,000 people a year and causes muscle weakness and degeneration, inflammation, and a painful skin rash.

It is hard to put into words how devastating the diagnosis, recovery (which meant learning how to walk again, swallow and even hold a pen) has been for Morvern. The medications such as steroids, IVIG, mycophenolate mofetil and rituximab - a biologic that breaks down B cells-have been effective at managing her condition but the side effects are very tough. Constantly being immunosuppressed leads to isolation, making it harder to move on but accepting a life changing diagnosis has been hardest of all.

The Wren project was recommended to me and Morvern and I are going to walk 260,000 steps in January to raise £260.00. This amount will enable the Wren project to help six people for three months, offering them life-changing listening support when they may be feeling distressed, overwhelmed or isolated by their autoimmune diagnosis. . Their trained volunteers create a safe, non‑judgemental space where people can talk openly about the challenges they face. Their role is not to offer advice or solutions, but to be present during times of difficulty, pain, and uncertainty. Every donation goes a long way in providing more listening support to people living with autoimmune diseases during their time of need.

I am hoping that Morvern will be one of many that will benefit from the listening service that Wren provides in 2026. If you can please make a small donation to support this essential service and new charity.