Bromley teacher to jump out plane for boyfriend with rare disease

Lucia Farnie’s boyfriend has familial partial lipodystrophy – a rare disease which causes the progressive loss of body fat in those affected.

To raise money for Rare Diseases UK, Lucia will take part in a skydive on July 10.

Rare Diseases UK is part of Genetic Alliance UK

The 20-year-old is also herself awaiting diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which her uncle has, and can affect the skin, bones, muscles and blood vessels of patients.

Lucia, who works as a teaching assistant, said: “My boyfriend has a rare genetic condition and a loved one passed away from a genetic condition last year.

“Obviously my boyfriend is very close to my heart and I’ve watched him suffer with his condition.”

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Lucia is hoping that the money she raises will help fund vital research to help people cope with these diseases.

She has set up a GoFundMe page with the aim of raising £500 and has already nearly hit her target.

The charity is supporting Lucia

She added: “Rare Diseases UK is a charity that does so much, but you don’t really hear about it.

“Because the diseases are rare, they don’t really get funding from the government.

“People don’t realise how much of an impact their donation will make to the charity.”

The charity, which is a part of Genetic Alliance UK, has sent Lucia t-shirts, wristbands and offered their words of encouragement.

Lucia has previously taken part in other charity fundraisers for organisations close to her heart, including a 3,000 squat challenge for Refuge.

You can donate to her fundraiser here.

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