LUPUS UK is a charity close to my heart as in May 2008 my sister, Viki, was diagnosed with Lupus aged just 25. As a family, we had never heard about Lupus which affects predominantly women but can also strike men and children too. Lupus causes the immune system to become over-active and as a result can affect any part of the body with the swelling of joints, hair loss, extreme fatigue, rashes on the face and body and in some cases, where infection attacks vital organs, Lupus can lead to death.
After watching the 2009 London Marathon, I decided to take up the challenge in order to show my support for Viki and raise much needed awareness and funds for LUPUS UK & West Midlands Lupus Group which has been a constant source of support to Viki and our family.
So far ‘Team Hibbsy’ has raised over £12,800 and we have no intention of stopping there. As well as raising funds we are committed to raising awareness to increase the chance of early diagnosis in new patients.
The highlight of this mission came in October 2009 when I tweeted Sarah Brown with the hope that she would re-tweet my message to her many followers. I could not have dreamt of the response that followed – she tweeted back with the offer of hosting an evening reception for LUPUS UK inside 10 Downing Street to talk about Lupus. Within two weeks we were enjoying the most magical night inside No.10, putting Lupus into the thoughts of thousands!
October is Lupus Awareness Month so the campaign to raise the profile of the charity hots up at this time of year. Fundraising events for ‘Team Hibbsy’ have included charity curry nights, the sale of signed portraits of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, car boot sales, and in two weeks’ time we will be holding a Tombola in Cannock Shopping Centre which has supported us over the last year as its chosen charity.
I have been tweeting about Lupus (@hibbsy) as well as pointing people in the direction of my website www.lupusrunner.co.uk to learn more. My website continues to receive hits from all over the world and with the support of JustGiving I have received sponsors from as far afield as Canada!
In April 2010 I was delighted to be elected to the West Midlands Lupus Group Committee to further support the group and the charity as a whole. It’s certainly an exciting time ahead!
I may have dodgy knees but that hasn’t stopped me, and in September I ran the Great North Run. I have also secured my place in the London Marathon 2011 and I’m delighted that my wife has also ‘decided’ to run with me again!
Throughout my journey when the training has been tough I have been spurred on by Viki’s courage and determination to overcome Lupus. One day I hope we find a cure for Lupus.
Follow Hibbsy’s fundraising on Twitter (@hibbsy) and read the full story on his website, www.lupusrunner.co.uk
Tags: John Hibbs, London Marathon, Lupus Awareness Month, Lupus charity, Lupus fundraising, Lupus help, Lupus support, LUPUS UK, Sarah Brown, Steven Gerrard
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