In 2007 I (Kate) was diagnosed with SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus). It was scary at first, because this is a disease that can affect everything in the body, cause organ failure and blood clots and all sorts of things I hadn't expected to worry about in my 20s. Luckily, I have spent the last 10 years learning to cope with lupus's milder side: fatigue, joint pains, rashes, headaches...the list goes on. Key to coping has been forcing myself to exercise and I have tried so many different things (even hula fit!) but it turns out that the best impetus is for my Mum (Wendy) to suggest that if I could run 10k, I could raise some money for Lupus UK!

Mum and I are joined by my brother Adam, and we are fundraising for Lupus UK for two reasons. They were a really important source of information and support for all of us when I was first diagnosed. And they do important work researching this disease, investigating treatments and funding specialist care around the UK. When I read my Lupus UK magazine I am reminded that for many patients lupus is a severe illness and there is currently no cure.

Please give what you can to keep this small but important charity going. We really appreciate every penny.

(NB Please ignore the small print above where it says we're running the 2016 race. Apparently Great Runs have not updated JustGiving with their 2017 events.)

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving. They'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate, saving time and cutting costs for the charity.