In late 2011, after a knee replacement operation, I discovered that I would suffer from arthritis from my late twenties for the rest of my life. Arthritis is a disease and can be a particularly debilitating one for some, particularly the elderly. Fortunately for me, I am still able to run and as such decided to enter the 2013 London Marathon for the charity Arthritis Care.

Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. Most people with arthritis will experience pain and difficulty moving around. There are over 200 kinds of rheumatic diseases  – the word rheumatic means aches and pains in joints, bones and muscles. Two of the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis(RA).

Arthritis is not just a disease of older people – it can affect people of all ages, including children. It is not clear what causes arthritis and there is no cure at present. 

Around 10 million people in the UK have arthritis and Arthritis Care, the UK’s largest charity working with sufferers of arthritis, helps many of them to take control of their symptoms and continue to have a good quality of life.

26 miles and 385 yards is a lengthy distance for anyone, let alone for someone without any cartilage in one of their knees. Yet, I think the biggest challenge I face is raising the £1800 needed to run the race for Arthritis Care.

This is why I need all your help and support to make this happen. Please donate!