Update:

despite mud, wind, rain and blisters, we managed to get to the finish line after ~13h of walking.

We are grateful beyond words for the incredibly generous support.

Warmest thank you!

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As some may know, Lupus and other autoimmune diseases run in Giulia's family and affect many of our dear ones directly.

These are invisible disabilities and can affect several organs, sometimes with severe consequences. The timing and progression of the illness is unknown and can evolve very suddenly. Some examples among others can be attacking joints, brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach, skin, extreme fatigue, chronic pain, lack of sleep, anxiety and depression.

There is currently no cure and the day-to-day management is done on a case by case basis, often in trial and error.

Research is limited on such illnesses and general awareness is also low, even in the medical field, which often lead to slow and delayed diagnosis (we have witnessed this first hand, taking years to get to it), as well as people affected not really believed or being classified as hypochondriac. It's not uncommon for the patient to have to educate the medical professionals about symptoms and ramifications.

We therefore decided to try and give our small contribution by enrolling in a 63km trek (yes - 1.5x the distance of a marathon!) in a day on 7th June, around the island of Guernsey, and use such occasion to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

This is very close to our heart and we truly appreciate any form of support, large or small.

Warmest thank you for your support.

Giulia & Tom