My name is Nicole. When I was 30 I nearly died. Not from accident or long term disease, but from an almost unheard of condition called TINU Syndrome (Tubular Intistitial Nephritis with Uvitis).  My immune system decided that there was something wrong with my kidneys when all was good. They attacked them with white blood cells causing inflammation and resulting in permanent scarring.

This is an extremely rare disease (something like 200 diagnosed cases worldwide). Thanks to the determined efforts of doctors, specialists, fitness experts and in no small part myself; I am now in a position to give something back to those who need help. As such, I decided to sign up for the 5km run. Not a huge distance but, seeing as I was advised that marathons are not good for the kidneys, 5km is still somewhat of a challenge.

I want to show all those people out there that having a disease is not the end, not an excuse and not a reason to live your life to the fullest extent you can. Embrace it - life is too short to miss opportunities.