I've chosen to support Lupus UK because of a very special lady, Liz, my sister-in-law.  Liz's journey to get back to full fitness after a long period of ill health and her continued determination to cope with her illness are my inspiration.  I WILL finish the Birmingham half marathon for you Liz, and to support others who are affected by this debilitating disease.  I'll let Liz tell you her story;

Hi there and thank you so much for taking the time to look at our just giving page. My wonderful and amazing sister in law Marie has chosen to run the Birmingham half marathon in aid of a charity which has become close to my heart, LUPUS UK.

Although many people have heard of Lupus, not many know what it is or how it can affect sufferers. I too was quite ignorant even though I had suffered since childhood with Raynauds Syndrome (poor circulation) and had a very unsuccessful first pregnancy, so I knew it might have been on the cards.

 

It wasn’t until last summer when my symptoms of Lupus first started. I got a pain in my right arm, which was diagnosed as a trapped nerve. The pain then went down my left arm. My hands, feet and legs started to swell. Then the pain really started, an arthritic pain that wouldn’t respond to any relief. My chest hurt, it was painful to breath. I went on to have chronic fatigue, not 'I feel like I could do with a goodnight’s sleep tiredness', but I was sleeping for 19 hours a day and not feeling any better. I had no appetite (I lost 3 stone in weight), had mouth ulcers measuring up to a cm in diameter and then my hair fell out in chunks. I remember looking in a mirror, all I saw was a frail old woman staring back at me. Depression kicked in. 

 

After seeing a wonderful Rheumatologist I was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), but then the blood results showed I had Lupus.

 

So what is Lupus? It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning that the persons own immune system attacks them. I guess I was lucky, it only affected my joints and tendons and my hair fell out (who needs hair), but Lupus can affect any part of the body and it’s organs; skin rashes, repeated miscarriage, can affect the liver, kidneys, brain, heart, eyes - all leading to organ failure, together with fatigue, general aches, fevers, weakness and weight gain or loss. As time progresses it may affect other parts of my body, but we’ll deal with that if and when it happens.

 

The thing is with Lupus, although little is known about it, it’s more common than leukaemia, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis and its symptoms can often mimic these and other conditions. It can also be genetic.

 

So living with Lupus; I’m on medication to help with my arthritic symptoms and although I’ve had a couple of flare ups, it’s nothing compared to last summer. I do get tired quicker and sometimes don’t have much energy. However, I have learned to slow down and listen to my body. It won’t stop me doing anything, just might take me a bit longer. The future holds what the future holds I’m not going to worry about it. I have an amazing family and wonderful friends and I’m determined to enjoy life to the full.

 

Any monies raised will go to vital research. For example research into new steroids has increased the life expectancy of sufferers. At the moment there is a trial of a new drug better suited to younger patients. There is also a need to provide better information to GP’s and healthcare professionals, so that the correct blood tests can be taken and treatment started before major damage to organs occurs. All pennies will be gratefully received.

 

For more information go to www.lupusuk.org.uk

 

Again thank you to Marie (you’re a star), she’s the fit one doing the running, I’m the old looking bird doing the cheering. Come on folks dig deep x 

 

Thank you so much for reading this JustGiving page, if you feel so inclined to donate, however much - please do.  I know so many people ask for donations; if you cannot give, please share this page if for nothing else, to spread the word about this little known disease.  Thank you.  Long health to you and yours x

 

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.