‘It has been a lifelong ambition to become a marathoner…but with autoimmune issues it can be difficult’

Christina shares the inspiration behind running her first marathon for the Wren Project in April 2025

Taking on a marathon while living with the uncertainties of autoimmune disease is no easy feat. 

But for Christina, who is living with vitiligo, Graves’ disease and thyroid issues, running her first Marathon 2025 this April in Annecy, France is a ‘lifelong ambition.’ 

“In a way, having autoimmune disease has led me to a place of gratitude for my body that I don’t think I would have discovered without it,” she explained. 

“I have done 18 official half marathons, but never a full marathon. It has been a lifelong ambition to become a marathoner, but with autoimmune issues we really never know how we are going to feel on any given day. So, sticking to a training plan can be difficult,” she continued.

“I have learned to accept progress over perfection, and if I must walk some of this race to complete it then so be it… but I know I will have done my best and raised money for a cause that is so close to my heart.” 

Christina, who recently trained as an executive/life coach, is also a volunteer listener for the Wren Project. Seeing firsthand the power listening can have one someone’s life in her own work, motivated her to begin volunteering with us. 

But her personal journey hasn’t been without its own challenges. 

Speaking about her own diagnoses, she said: “At times, when my autoimmune conditions have flared, I have not been able to run at all. 

 “This is what spurs me on.  When I’m feeling well… I run simply because at that point in time my health is stable, and I can.

“I remind myself that I can’t take my health for granted, and that there was a period of time not so long ago when I’d have given anything to be able to put my trainers on and get out there!” 

Christina, who has so far fundraised over £1,000 for the Wren Project, will take on the 26.2 mile route around Lake Annecy on Sunday, April 27. 

Sharing what will push her through the final miles, she said: “Through my volunteer work, I meet many people with autoimmune diseases whose lives have been changed completely and forever.

“So many are left longing for the ‘simple’ things in life; The ability to just go for a stroll in the sunshine shouldn’t be too much to ask but it’s beyond reach for so many living with autoimmune disease. When I’m tired on my runs, when I want to give up, I only need to think of their situation to find the motivation to keep putting one foot in front of the other.” 

You can support Christina’s challenge by donating here.

Interested in taking on a fundraising challenge and supporting the Wren Project’s mission? You can join #TeamWren by getting in touch here and receive our fundraising pack to get inspired.