Over the last few years Woodside Morris Men have supported the Lupus UK charity. Lupus is an autoimmune disease whereby the patient's immune system attacks their own body tissues. This causes extreme fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, anaemia and general malaise and can result in the destruction of vital organs.

Lupus tends to attack women during their child-bearing years, though men and even young children can become affected. Lupus often remains undetected for long periods with the symptoms being associated with other illness. Half the battle is identifying sufferers as actually having Lupus. Because of the many manifestations of its symptoms it can easily be overlooked as the cause by GPs unless they are alert to the disease.

LUPUS UK is the only National Registered Charity operating Self-Help Groups throughout the United Kingdom for people with Lupus. It provides advice and counselling on all aspects of the disease and publishes national and regional newsletters. Fundraising for Lupus research and welfare support is an essential part of the charity's work.

If you are based in the UK and would like to know more about Lupus and its effects please visit the LUPUS UK website by clicking this link.

Mary Broughton

Mary is the wife of Woodside's Lank Broughton, and has organised the Lupus UK awareness day in Watford for many years. Mary is a member of Whitethorne Morris, for whom Lank also plays. Mary has managed to persuade local Morris sides to come and dance in Charter place since she was actively involved in Lupus UK's regional branch, and has ensured a bit of Morris colour that has both helped to communicate the charity's message, and maintain the profile of Morris Dancing as part of Watford's community.

Mary on our 2007 Traditional Village Tour