Systemic Vasculitis

Dean had worked in the retail sector since leaving school but has been unable to return due to ill-health. He lives with his wife and son. Ethnic background: White British.

Nicola, a former teacher, is chief executive of a charity that offers baby loss counselling and support to families. She lives with her husband and two sons. Their newborn son, Theo, died in 2009. Ethnic background: White British.

Sharon worked full-time in early years education. She hoped to return but ill-health has made this impossible, and she resigned three months ago. Sharon is married with three grown-up children. Ethnic background: White Scottish.