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My sister, Stephanie Macleod, and I both suffer from Lupus.

I am running the British 10k run for Lupus UK for my sister. Stephanie became ill when she was 11 years old with many different symptoms which were unfortunately misdiagnosed until Stephanie became very ill and was hospitalised at the age of 13 and then was diagnosed with Lupus SLE and Antiphospholipid Syndrome. With medication she remained stable until she was 15 years old, when Stephanie took a downward turn and once again was suffering at the hands of Lupus. On her 16th birthday, Stephanie was admitted to St Thomas' Hospital for a kidney biopsy and also suffering from visionary problems. Thanks to the wonderful care of Professor Hunt, Stephanie was diagnosed with fluid on her brain and was sent for emergency brain surgery the following day at Atkins College Hospital. Stephanie was then returned to St Thomas' Hospital where she was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis. Fortunately, after a year of treatment, Stephanie was told she was in remission and her Lupus was successfully managed with medication. Sadly, in 2015 Stephanie had a stroke and was told her Antiphospholipid had become very aggressive. She had a further stroke and in result of this, has been left with neurological problems and many debilitating symptoms. 

Despite all of the above, Stephanie completed her A-Levels, went to university and now works for the London Ambulance Service. 

Sharing this disease brings us closer everyday, we understand each other. I couldn't ask for a more loving and supportive sister, she makes me smile each day and gives me the strength to keep going. Stephanie is the best sister anyone could ask for! 💜

Living with lupus is very hard and life changing. Research is still going on and there are a lot of unanswered questions. I would love to raise money to go towards research and trials. 

Lupus is most often used to describe a more severe form of the condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus SLE is a disease of the immune system, a condition in which the body's defence mechanism produces an excess of antibodies in the blood stream causing inflammation and damage in the joints, muscles and other organs. Lupus is an uncommon, complex condition that can affect any part of the body including the skin, joints and internal organs. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and many people will have long periods with few or no symptoms before experiencing a sudden flare-up, where their symptoms are particularly severe. Even mild cases can be distressing and have a considerable impact on a person’s quality of life.

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