A KEEN runner will take on the Manchester Marathon on April 4 to raise cash for charity Lupus UK.
Redditch man Jeff Farnes is running for his friend’s daughter, 21-year-old Charlotte Bromley, who has acute lupus.
The chair of the Royal British Legion Redditch branch said: “I have known Charlotte since she was a little girl.
“She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and is being so brave.
“That’s why I have chosen Lupus UK which looks to help Charlotte and others like her.”
Jeff, aged 48, is training five days a week in preparation for his ninth marathon.
He is hitting nearly 50 miles each week but says he will drop that distance as he gets closer to the event.
Jeff’s son and wife will be cheering him on from the sidelines on the day.
Charlotte, who was diagnosed with lupus last year, said: “My lupus is very aggressive and has now spread to my heart and kidneys.
“I am in hospital every two weeks and observed very closely but I refuse to let this illness control every part of my life.
“While it still plays a big role at the moment, I refuse to believe it always will.”
Visit http://justgiving.com/fundraising/jeff-farnes5 to help Jeff reach his £500 goal.
Lupus UK is the only national registered charity supporting people with systemic lupus and discoid lupus and assisting those approaching diagnosis.
Lupus is a condition where the body’s autoimmune system attacks ordinary healthy tissue.
For more information visit http://www.lupusuk.org.uk
