On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September 2026, Explorers from Kings Heath and Foresters will come together to take on an ambitious sponsored expedition through the Malvern Hills.

Led by one of our Explorers, Lily, the group will walk approximately 20 miles across two challenging days to raise awareness of lupus and vital funds for LUPUS UK.

For Lily, this cause is personal: she lives with lupus herself.

WHY LILY CHOSE LUPUS

Lily has chosen to use her own experience to help others understand more about lupus and the realities of living with a condition that may not always be visible.

Rather than allowing lupus to define her, Lily wants to turn her experience into something positive. She is leading a wider community project to raise awareness, encourage greater understanding and support other people affected by the condition.

As part of her project, Lily is delivering awareness activities for younger members of Scouts, helping her fellow Explorers learn about the different forms of lupus and organising community fundraising activities.

The sponsored expedition will be the project’s biggest challenge, and Lily’s fellow Explorers will be walking alongside her every step of the way.

WHAT IS LUPUS?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of the body. It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys and other organs, with possible symptoms including extreme fatigue, joint and muscle pain, inflammation and skin rashes.

The symptoms can be unpredictable and are not always visible to other people. This means those living with lupus can face significant challenges that the people around them may not immediately see or understand.

There is currently no cure for lupus. However, treatments can help people manage the condition and its symptoms.

OUR 20-MILE CHALLENGE

Walking approximately 20 miles through the Malvern Hills will be no small undertaking.

Our Explorers will face steep climbs, challenging terrain and two full days of walking. Throughout the expedition, they will support and encourage one another as they take on the challenge together.

For the Explorers taking part, this is more than a walk. It is an opportunity to stand beside their friend, help Lily share her story and show their support for everyone living with lupus.

Every difficult climb and every mile completed will represent our determination to make lupus more visible.

WHERE WILL THE MONEY GO?

All money raised will go to LUPUS UK, the national charity supporting people living with lupus and those going through diagnosis.

LUPUS UK provides information and educational resources, operates support services, raises awareness and awards grants to support research into lupus.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Please support Lily and our Explorers by donating whatever you can.

Whether you sponsor them for each of the approximately 20 miles or make one overall donation, every contribution will help LUPUS UK continue its important work.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this page will help Lily’s story reach more people and create greater awareness of this often-hidden condition.

Thank you for walking with Lily and helping us make every mile count for lupus.