I am running the marathon because our family friends daughter Charlotte, who I have known since she was a little girl is very sick with Lupus, but I will let you tell her in her own words of her journey.

" This time last year I was diagnosed with a chronic auto immune disease called Lupus SLE. I was admitted to hospital where my Lupus journey started. Test after Test, I had a confirmed diagnosis within two weeks, I have never felt so weak. I began to lose my hair. My hands, arms, feet, chest, lips, mouth and face were covered in painful ulcers and rashes. I lost 2 stone. My joints became swollen and painful and I quickly found myself needing help with the simplest things, getting dressed, brushing my hair, showering etc. 

I'm learning a new life living with chronic pain and fatigue but I am choosing JOY every morning over this exhausting illness. Precious Jesus is my hope and peace, he goes before me and he already knows what my tomorrow will bring. I miss my own hair and I miss having the energy for little things but small steps each day are making me that much stronger. 

One year later my lupus is still very aggressive and has now spread to my heart and kidneys, I am seen in hospital every 2 weeks and observed very closely but I refuse to let this illness control every part of my life. For now , it's a big part of my day to day life, but I'm believing it won't alwyas be." 

Charlotte is in her early 20's and is so brave, which is why I have chosen to run for Lupus UK, so they can continue to help Charlotte and others like her.

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