My mother suffered from Lupus, which eventually led to a lung transplant, the complications of which eventually led to her death in 1996. She specifically requested donations instead of flowers for her funeral, which were given to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital Department of Respiratory medicine.

As my 40th birthday approaches, and people asked what do I want as a present, I could think of nothing I'd like better than to raise some money for Lupus UK. Lupus UK is a charity which my mother did some work for, and who I know have helped many people with Lupus.

Despite a lot of progress in its treatment, Lupus can still be fatal and is often debilitating. Lupus UK both fund research and provide information to people with the disorder. Recently they have been able to support the appointment of specialist nurses.

You can donate here:
http://www.justgiving.co.uk/simonrwaters

Learn more about the charity:
http://www.lupusuk.org.uk/

About Systemic Lupus Erythematosus:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systemic_lupus_erythematosus