As some of you may know my little sister was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) just before her 16th birthday, in september this year. Lupus is an autoimmune condition which means the bodies anti-bodies can start to attack its own tissues and organs, including the joints and kidneys. 

It is a rare condition and therefore can often be misdiagnosed or diagnosis can be delayed so the more research into it, the better.  Delay in diagnosis can lead to permanent damage to organs such as the kidneys. 

Arthritis Research UK work to develop cures and transform the lives of those with different types of Arthritis, including Lupus.

I have chosen to support Arthritis Research UK, rather than a Lupus specific charity, because most of my family have been effected by arthritis: My Dad has rheumatoid arthritis and is thankfully in remission due to medication, my brother had juvenile arthritis, and my mother and I both have osteoarthritis in our knees. 

I used to be in a lot of pain with my knees, and due to arthritis I thought that I would never be able to run due to the damage it can cause - but - along with strength training and rowing I have started running, and I love it, and my knees have never felt better. 

What better way to use my new found therapy than to raise money to improve the lives of people with different types of arthritis, and hopefully help to fund research projects, like the ones my sister and dad are both involved in.

This will be my first ever competitive race so please donate to sponsor me in aid of Arthritis Research UK, every penny counts :)

For more information please visit http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/