Hi My name is Marion Willetts and in April 2008 I will run in the London Marathon.

Am I a devoted marathon runner?

Definitely not.  This will be my first attempt at running a marathon and my training for the day is on schedule.

Why am I running this race?

Well I started running in 2003 and in 2007 ran my first half marathon.  The opportunity to run in London for the West Midlands Lupus Group charity arose and as my friend Sandra has suffered from the Lupus disease for 20+ years it seemed only right that I should offer to help this worthy cause.

Lupus may not be immediately known to many.  So what is Lupus?

Simply it is a long-lasting autoimmune disease, where the immune system, for unknown reasons, attacks normal tissue.  There are various forms of Lupus that can attack the skin, joints, blood, lungs, kidneys, heart, brain and the nervous system.  Lupus is a rare disease but it is believed can be triggered by everday occurences such as stress, infections, certain prescription drugs and ultraviolet light.

Sandra suffers from Lupus in her joints and kidneys and despite all the suffering is involved with Lupus events in the West Midlands, attends the Drop-in clinics and is actively involved in raising the awareness of the public to the plight of her fellow sufferers.

As you will be aware runners will be representing many charities and I plead for your genorosity in kindly donating to this very worthy cause. 

At this time there is no cure for Lupus but worldwide research continues to find treatments and identify the causes of the disease.

I thank you in anticipation of your sponsorship of my run and by way of a ‘thank you’ I have arranged for anyone interested to have a link from the Dudley Ladies Running Club website to any sponsoring business site.  

Kind Regards

Marion

PS
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: LUPUS UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

PPS
Photos of Marion running and Corporate Sponsors

PPPS
    I did it!   I finished the race in a time of 5hours 41mins and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Many thanks for all those who have helped me during the past months and a special 'Thank You' you all of my sponsors.

Remember you can sponsor me through to June 2008 with all donations going to a very worthy cause.  Thank you all again.