All the funds raised from this raffle will go to support Lam Action. Local businesses have provided some amazing prizes, I am enormously grateful for their generosity. Those close to me will know I have enter the ballot to the London marathon every year for the past eight years... I have never be fortunate enough to win a place. Previous years I have been put off by running as part of the 'big' charities as I felt my contribution would be lost in admin or stationary costs :) Also i truly did not believe in the cause enough to not only march the streets in the dark winter nights but also trying to raise money as well. This was true until i came across Lam action. Lam disease is very rare with only 350 women in the UK being diagnosed . Lam It is characterised by lung cysts, abnormalities in the lymphatic system and non-malignant kidney tumours. One of my dearest friends and godmother to my children has been diagnosed with Lam, she is one of the strongest and courageous people I know, despite not being dealt the best hand in life she so strong passionate and kind. This is a truly awful disease with a massive impact on everyday quality of life. If supporting this charity can offer a glimmer of hope of improved treatments I am fully supportive and back it 100% Working as a research project manager in the NHS I understand the importance of investigation for treatment progression and I also have experienced in regards to how hard it can be to secure funds for pioneering research to help those diagnosed. Especially with the disease being so rare funding streams are limited. Thirty years ago virtually nothing was known about LAM. Since then, clinical research across many countries has provided a great deal of information on how LAM affects women and the best ways to manage LAM. Studies investigating the underlying cause of LAM have led to a treatment which, whilst not a cure, slows the progression of LAM significantly in most women. So the outlook for women with LAM is now very much better than previously reported. I am hoping to raise some funds to support further improvement of research in this area. If doing something foolish like running a marathon can help achieve this i will do my very best to drag my butt around the 26 miles of London for every penny.