HOW do you explain Lupus? Some 50,000 may have lupus in the UK and 90% of sufferers are female, mainly between the ages of 15 and 55.

The causes of lupus is not positively known though research has provided evidence implicating heredity, hormones and infections including viruses.

Lupus may be triggered by various means and can present in a bewildering number of ways, even to the extent of mimicking other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.

With its many symptoms, lupus can often be overlooked by a GP or consultant which may delay final diagnosis and a vital start to necessary treatment which can contain the disease and hopefully limit potential damage to the kidneys, heart, lungs or brain. Those diagnosed usually remain in medical care and receive ongoing treatment. Many symptoms will have less impact but there may be side effects.

Systemic lupus is a chronic and presently-incurable illness of the immune system, a condition in which the body's defence mechanism begins to attack itself through an excess of antibodies in the blood stream causing inflammation and damage in the joints, muscles and other organs.

The name systemic lupus implies that almost any organ or system within the body might be affected and lupus is perhaps the classical multi-symptom illness, deserving of far greater priority and investigation by the medical community.

Discoid lupus is a condition of the skin alone, and in a very few patients can develop into systemic lupus.

Lupus can adversely affect the lives of sufferers and their families, and influence relationships with friends and business colleagues

There is only one UK registered charity supporting/caring for people with Lupus & searching for a cure. Lupus UK

We would be very grateful if you would support Lupus Awareness Month by placing an article in the local media.

We are hoping to start a support group for Gloucestershire in the near future, to offer local support for both sufferers & their families. For father details people can contact Jackie 07503955938 email ballooncrazy@hotmail.co.uk.

We are also organising a Christmas Fair & Craft Sale in aid of Lupus UK. The event will take place on Sunday 1st December at Longlevens Community Centre 11am-3pm. This will be a traditional Christmas Fair with Santa’s grotto, mulled wine, Christmas carols, homemade cakes & much more as well as local suppliers selling goodies & Christmas gift ideas.
The event will actually raise money for 2 amazing charities, Lupus UK & FOCUS Gloucestershire Oncology Unit. Both charities work so very hard for people, they very often provide the extras that are not always available through the NHS budget.

We are not a company we are individuals that are trying to support great causes. Any support or donations would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Jackie 07503955938 email ballooncrazy@hotmail.co.uk.