We’re raising money in memory of my mum, Jane, who sadly she passed away after a near-eight-year struggle with respiratory Relapsing Polychondritis (RP). She was a carer at a charity for adults with multiple disabilities, and an active member of online RP support groups, always sharing information and checking in with other people suffering with the disease. Mum was genuinely a star who enriched the lives of those around her, and Sophie, Dad and I are incredibly proud and grateful to have had the time we did with her.

We wanted to be deliberate with our fundraising mission, and chose The Wren Project for their compassionate, inclusive and collaborative approach to providing support and community for people with autoimmune diseases. Because autoimmune diseases are far more likely affect women than men, there are many sisters, mothers, aunties and grandmothers who are also in need of safe spaces where they can prioritise their own wellbeing needs away from feelings of family caring responsibilities. In the chaos of multiple consultations, medical second opinions and limited resources, people should be afforded spaces where they feel heard, and where they can relate with others experiencing the same thing. As autoimmune diseases are relatively understudied and increasingly prevalent, we are and will need services like those provided by The Wren Project to support people through these life-changing diagnoses. With this fundraiser, we hope not only to generate funds that contribute to these existing mental health initiatives but also raise awareness for the often-hidden struggles of those with autoimmune diseases.

The Prague International Marathon is a symbolic challenge, as it is the city in which RP was first discovered – with nearly ten of us running the race together, I hope we can represent The Wren Project’s mission of camaraderie in the face of adversity!