I'm running the London Marathon 2020 for LUPUS UK

[Paul_Howard]

At the end of March I will be taking on the role of Chief Executive of LUPUS UK.

One of my first acts as CEO will be to put on my wolf costume again and complete the London Marathon alongside the other amazing LUPUS UK runners!

I'll be taking on the challenge in memory of my friend Heather, but also for everyone affected by lupus - now, in the past and in the future.

I'd be really grateful if anyone here was able to help support my fundraising and send me good wishes for the day.

justgiving.com/fundraising/...

[PMRpro]

Congratulations Paul - and all the best! And for the run too ...

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[Kevin53 in reply to PMRpro]

The Romford team is excellent; it’s great that Chris is passing the baton to Paul. Best wishes Kevin

[Melba1]

Congratulations Paul! Couldn’t wish for a safer pair of hands to be CEO 🙂 Good luck with the marathon, will donate now (before I forget 🙄🤣). Thanks so much for all you do for us x

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Melba1]

Thank you so much!

[EOLHPC]

🤩👏👏👏👏👏👏💐💐💐💐💐💐🌈💫😍🍀

[Kevin53]

Go Paul go! Best wishes Kevin

[svfarmer]

That’s very good news- congratulations 🥳

[daisydayz]

Good Luck, you are a star⭐

[Boudica1]

Congratulations and good luck with the marathon. 💖🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🐺🐺

[Lupusrelative]

Way to go Mr. Wolf!

[Hidden]

Paul, that’s absolutely awesome!! 🙏 all our best on both endeavors, and congratulations!! 🏃 wish we could all be there to cheer you on!

[thestorm]

Hi Paul, may I say, Your dedication, enthusiasm, and insight are truly inspiring! Heather would be proud. Transforming loss into success! Many people work, at a job to pay their bill, and live a happy life, but very few people, like You, live to work at a job that gives people happiness. Wishing you a marathon of great beginnings, finish lines,and funding support for all of us affected by Lupus . thestormy sunshine

[Apricot100 in reply to thestorm]

Perfectly put Storm . Gives real meaning to life.

Congratulations on the new role and best of luck in the wolf run Paul! X

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to thestorm]

I'm blushing! Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope to make you all proud.

[thestorm in reply to Paul_Howard]

You will, we all have to have faith in someone, and we do in you dear friend! storm sunshine

[Debbieloo]

Congratulations on the CEO. Good luck for the marathon. You can do it!

[Spotty-ewe]

Paul that is absolutely fantastic news.👍🏻 This is a rare occasion when all us Lupies hope ‘the wolf’ stays strong and wins through ! 😂 Wishing you all the very best of luck Paul with your fundraising and hoping you have a fabulous day doing the Marathon. 🤞🤞😁

[Barbs51]

Congratulations......and good luck with the marathon 🐺

[HazelW]

Congratulations on your well earned promotion Paul ! Chris is a hard act to follow but if anyone can do it you can !! I remember when you first joined Lupus UK - Chris said they'd found a gem and you have proved him right !!

[Kevin53 in reply to HazelW]

Perfect. Best wishes Kevin

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to HazelW]

Thank you so much Hazel. I'm really glad that Chris will be staying on the team in a part-time role as I can't think of a safer pair of eyes to watch the charity's finances. He has been an excellent mentor to me over the years.

Thank you so much for sponsoring me!

[Poshcards]

Great news on your promotion Paul. so well deserved for all of your hard work and fundraising x

[Krazykat26]

Congratulations n celebrations..etc..can't remember the rest 🤔🤔🤔🎉🥂🎉🥂🎉🥂

U take very good care of us..it's good to have u on board captain!!

Let's hope that the rest of the pack r behind u when u run that race 🐺🐺🐺 arrrrrooooo (wolf howling)

Best of luck Paul 🤗

Kat 😽😽 xx

[shareasmile]

Congratulations, Paul! This page for lupus support is wonderful and I know that will continue under your watch!

Enjoy the marathon and fight on!

[misty14]

Congratulations Paul on becoming CEO of lupus uk!. Much deserved for all your hard work and dedication. Good luck for the marathon. Xx

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Hidden . I run in a costume because it grabs people's attention and helps to raise awareness of the cause I am running for. I've also found that it helps to inspire some people to sponsor more generously because it makes the challenge more difficult.

I'm sorry if you do not like the use of the wolf, although many people do and it is strongly linked due to the derivation of the disease name from latin. It is rather offensive to suggest that anybody should be shot and I'd encourage you to carefully consider your language when commenting within this community please. We do our best to maintain at atmosphere of friendliness and support that is welcoming to all.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Please refrain from personal attacks within this community; I don't appreciate being spoken to in that way. I would encourage you to please familiarise yourself with HealthUnlocked's Community Guidlelines;

"Your participation in HealthUnlocked should be with respect, honesty, and in the spirit of supporting and learning from your fellow users."

I value your opinion on this matter. I had made no reference to wolf bites, just the origin of the disease name which is a matter of history. It is also worth considering that not everyone will share your opinion, or feel it as strongly.

[KayHimm in reply to Paul_Howard]

Paul -

It seems to me that since we all continue to use the word lupus, aware of the Latin derivation “wolf,” it is perfectly fine to use the costume as the illnesses symbol.

I say 🏃‍♀️in the way that attracts the most attention and money.

K

[flap7]

Sue_petal, I may fit into both "multiethnic" and "black" background categories as well as having SLE. Can you please explain why I may be very upset by Paul dressing up as a wolf to raise money for Lupus UK? 🤔

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Hidden ,

I did used to wear butterfly wings when I ran but everyone thought I was a fairy and missed the point. I also never got picked up for interviews and photos etc.

[Krazykat26 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Maybe u could run that gruelling marathon as the wolf fairy Paul..that would get u noticed I'm sure!! 😹

Ladies please stop going on about what he's wearing n sponsor the man!!

Kat 😽😽 xx

[flap7 in reply to Krazykat26]

I am definitely all in favour of that Krazykat26! 🐺🦋🦓 😄 I will be doubling my sponsorship 💰💰

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to flap7]

That is so kind of you! Thank you so much! I really hope to make you all proud.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Krazykat26]

Thank you so much Kat!

[flap7]

Hello Windy9, I respect that you have your opinion on this but I think that Paul has replied to you re his choice of outfit for his marathons above. I did address my response to Sue_petal.

[Wendy39]

Paul

I am so excited, for you and us lupies, as you become CEO of LUPUS UK! You will do an excellent job and we’re all behind you.

We all know you can do this marathon too, with your running achievements to date putting you in good stead. Plus your never ending dedication to the cause. Thank you!!! And GOOD LUCK!

Wish I could be there to cheer you on!

Wendy

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Wendy39]

Thank you so much Wendy! I'll do my best to make you proud! You can cheer me on from your home!

[Wendy39]

Windy9

I have to say that I have never heard of this wolf bite thing or this dubious association with wolves???

Where have you heard or seen this?

As a lupus patient, have you been taunted by such comments or your illness misunderstood because of this?

I’ve been a member here for years and run a support group, I’ve never once heard of this.

Paul ran 10 half marathons in 2018 - all dressed as a wolf and there were no comments then.

lupusuk.org.uk/paul-ten-hal...

As the soon to be CEO of LUPUS UK who works tirelessly to raise awareness, raise funds and support us all, Paul has the members support here and I have to say I am saddened by the tone of your comments addressed at him.

Wendy

[Wendy39]

I know lupus means wolf in Latin. And I know why it was originally used. But my comments still stand. I’ve never had anyone misunderstand my illness because of the wolf connotations. Have you? Paul can hardly change the name of the disease. So I still do not understand your attitude towards this.

[Foggyme]

Hi Paul.

Wolf 'things'...

'The grey wolf has been the notorious villain of fables and fairy stories for centuries, yet this highly intelligent and sociable animal has done little to warrant its terrifying reputation.'

'Wolves develop close relationships and strong social bonds. They often demonstrate deep affection for their family and may even sacrifice themselves to protect the family unit.'

onekindplanet.org/animal/wo...

Being 'Wolf'...not such a bad thing from this perspective!

Run like the wind...off to sponsor you right now 👏👏.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Foggyme]

Hi Foggyme ,

Thank you so much for sponsoring me! It is incredibly generous of you. I hope to make you proud.

[Foggyme in reply to Paul_Howard]

An absolute pleasure Paul...I get the easy bit...you get to run...🤣🤣x

[Hidden]

Hi Paul. Sorry I’ve only just seen and caught up with this post. Many congratulations you will make a wonderful CEO! And very best of luck with your run. I love your outfit!

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much Hidden !