Updated on Sep 6th 2012 at 6:20 PM from the JustGiving API

Under two weeks to go now! On Saturday I completed my last long run of my training before the big day- I managed 11 miles so VERY pleased! It is taking a while to recover but feel ready to take on the full half marathon now! Thank you so much for everyone's kind donations so far :)

Updated on Jul 19th 2012 at 9:52 AM from the JustGiving API

Not long until quiz night now!

I will be running my first ever half Great North Run this year for St Thomas' Lupus Trust. For anyone that knows me they will appreciate just how bigger challenge this is for me.

For anyone that doesn't, I suffer from Lupus. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus in 2004 having never heard of the disease before and knowing very little about it and the effects it would have on my life.

What is lupus? Lupus causes the body’s immune system to go into overdrive and in turn begins to attack itself. It is believed that over 50,000 people throughout the UK suffer with Lupus of whom 90% are female. The symptoms are many and varied, and the condition often seems to mimic other diseases. This gives rise to difficulty in diagnosis and the condition can be overlooked for years, unless the GP or consultant is alert to the possibility of lupus.

Symptoms can include; extreme fatigue, eye problems, joint/muscle pain, depression, miscarriage, hair loss, anaemia, facial and other rashes as well as the possible involvement of kidneys, heart, lungs or brain.

There is NO CURE! The outlook for lupus varies widely as the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many people will experience long periods of time with few or no symptoms before suddenly experiencing a sudden flare-up where their symptoms are particularly severe. However, even mild cases of lupus can have a considerable impact on a person’s quality of life because many of the symptoms, particularly chronic fatigue, can be distressing and cause feelings of depression and anxiety.

The money I will raise will go towards much needed research towards finding a cure for Lupus.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.

So please dig deep and donate now.