A new year and I'm going for a fifth consecutive Virgin Money London Marathon to raise funds for LUPUS UK in memory of Susie, who was diagnosed with this illness in 2007 and sadly died five years ago. I have once again been lucky enough to have been offered a place to take part in this iconic event by the West Midlands Lupus Group. Through your generous support over the last four years more than £12,500 has been raised for this charity and with your help I hope to push that total to £15,000 on 28th April.

Lupus is an incurable and potentially life-threatening immune system illness, probably genetic in origin and mainly suffered by females, whereby the body's defense mechanism begins to attack itself causing inflammation and damage in the joints, muscles and other organs. It can affect any part of the body, it can produce many symptoms and is often extremely difficult to diagnose. Meanwhile, a number of major organs can be damaged in an irreversible way.

LUPUS UK  is the only national registered charity in the UK supporting people with systemic lupus and discoid lupus and assisting those approaching diagnosis. They presently have over 6000 Members and a number of Regional Groups around the UK who arrange medical talks, publish local newsletters, set up local occasions and organise fundraising events.

LUPUS UK also produces an informative national magazine with lupus articles, letters, reports, and photographs, and operates a strong Grant Programme for research purposes and welfare.

They are focused on solving the mystery of lupus, one of the most devastating diseases, while giving support to those who suffer from its impact.

HOW AM I ASKING YOU TO HELP?

Your donations toward my fundraising target would be much appreciated. All funds go directly to the WMLG and their mission of alleviating the impact of lupus.

Thanks in advance to everyone who will support.

And thanks also to those whose hearts are willing but are unable to donate at this time.

My target is £3,000.

Let's do this!

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.