Eirini hosts bachata dance event to fundraise for people with autoimmune disease

After being diagnosed with her first two autoimmune diseases in childhood, Eirini knows first-hand how challenging life with a chronic illness can be and how important it is to be able to access free emotional support.

After seeking support from the Wren Project herself and noticing how much having someone to talk to helped her, Eirini wanted to give something back. She felt inspired to turn one of her passions and talents into a way to raise vital funds by hosting a bachata dance class event for her community. Eirini has raised a huge £400 for the Wren Project, we couldn’t be more grateful for her support and efforts.

“The Wren Project supported me so much during a very difficult time for me when I needed it the most, after a new diagnosis. I took on this fundraising challenge so I could also give something back to this amazing charity.”

Her motivation to fundraise for people living with autoimmune disease came from her own personal experience.

Like many people living with autoimmune conditions, Eirini’s journey began early. She was diagnosed with her first two conditions in childhood, at a time when awareness and understanding were even more limited.

“I didn’t quite understand what was going on and was told to just ‘get on with it’ multiple times in the past.” That message stayed with her. But as she grew older and was diagnosed with a third condition, things felt different.

“I realised that I found it very hard to ‘just get on with it’ especially when I had symptoms of flare ups that affected me not just mentally but physically too.”

Living with autoimmune disease can be unpredictable and exhausting. Flare ups can impact every part of life, and the emotional toll is often just as significant as the physical symptoms. For Eirini, one of the most important shifts came through being listened to. Thankfully, she found free emotional support at the Wren Project where she was able to speak to someone who just ‘gets it’.

“I learned through the listening support I got from the Wren Project that it is absolutely okay to feel whatever emotion I was feeling.”

That space to be heard made a lasting difference. It also shaped how she sees the importance of support, not just for herself, but for others going through similar experiences. She has seen firsthand how difficult the journey can be, both personally and in the lives of people close to her. This understanding is what drives her to give back.

“I have a few people very close to my heart that I’ve seen having a very hard and tough time during autoimmune flare ups and before getting their diagnosis. It was such a hard journey for them and sometimes the recovery can be long and very frustrating.”

“I really hope that this charity will continue to grow and exist to support people who need the listening support and to acknowledge their feelings, especially when they don't have anyone to speak to who can truly understand them.”

Eirini’s £400 fundraiser is more than a number. It represents time, effort, and a commitment to making sure others, in a similar position to herself, feel less alone. For every £57 we raise at the Wren Project, we can offer one hour of emotional support to someone living with autoimmune disease. That one hour can be a crucial lifeline to someone struggling with the grief, fear, isolation and misunderstanding that can come with a diagnosis.

Eirini’s message to anyone considering fundraising is a simple one:

“To do it! In whatever way anyone can contribute, please do it because the funds are going to support a great cause and will help someone feel heard and seen.”

Every fundraiser, big or small, helps create more moments where someone living with autoimmune disease feels understood and feels the relief of not having to carry their struggles alone anymore.

If you are keen to make a difference and would like to know more about fundraising for the Wren Project, you can reach out to Greg at community@wrenproject.org

If you live with an autoimmune disease and would like to access free emotional support from the Wren Project, you can reach out to us here.