I am so excited and honoured to be running the London Marathon with a charity that means so much to me, Lupus UK.

I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erthymatosus in 2020. When I received this news the only thing that came to my mind was, "Isn't that what Selena Gomez has?” I had no idea what lupus really was, emphasizing the need for more lupus awareness. I quickly learned how much about lupus is still unknown, and the need for research and funding.

The most commonly asked questions I get about lupus are:

What is lupus? Is there a cure? Do I have to take medication?

So, what is lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs, most commonly the brain, joints, blood, kidneys, heart, lungs and skin. It manifests in different ways for different people, and the cause of it remains unknown. Currently there is NO cure for lupus - hence the need for fundraising and more research!

Prior to lupus, I had never really been sick before, I couldn't even take pills, and I still struggle with bloodwork and have needle phobia. Now I start and end my days with many tablets and have a weekly self-injection. My hope is that with more funding, new treatments could develop and I could eventually come off of these painful injections, and of course, that a cure is around the corner.

My connection to running and the London Marathon:

In 2023 during my first year of law school, my flat mate suggested we go running one day. I was super hesitant, I had no idea how my body would respond.

I thought, “Running?! I can't do that. I hate exercise!! If I run I am going to pay for that tomorrow with aches, and what about the sun exposure?! I CANNOT do that.”

However, I am stubborn and I like to minimize the control lupus has over my life. So I gave this “running thing” a go in May 2023 and I haven't stopped running since! Running for me has reduced my joint pain from several times a month to several times a year. Running has become such an important piece for me to feel well, and I really struggle when I go without it.

It has genuinely changed my life, given me a hobby, brought new friends into my life and provided me with opportunities like this one! So, this along with endless support from my friends and family, I am beyond excited to be taking on the London Marathon, and so grateful to Lupus UK for this opportunity to run, and this chance to raise money and awareness for lupus.

Thank you so much for reading this and for any donations. They are so greatly appreciated, and I can't wait to see the amazing things that these donations will help discover.