Jane Dunnage had such serious health problems that she had to leave paid employment. Nearly 5 years after this, it was confirmed that she had systemic lupus erythematosus. She eventually returned to study part time and achieved a BSc in Human Nutrition. Although her health does not allow her to work, she has been a Trustee for a number of charities (including LUPUS UK) and housing organisations: currently she is a Trustee of National Voices. She is lead for patient participation in MASTERPLANS, a consortium to study stratified medicine for lupus patients; this is a Consortium based at University of Manchester with a team of Patients and Industry Partners.