You are probably thinking - I already give enough to charity, or why should I give to this one over all the others.

I hope this may help to make your mind up!

Before 2005 I didn't even know Rheumatoid Arthritis existed - however that all changed when my dad was diagnosed with it in the summer of 2005. Within a couple of weeks my dad went from being healthy, active and loving life to a man who could no longer dress himself or walk down the stairs. After much persuasion to visit the doctors he finally got diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis - many tests, x-rays and scans took place in order to gauge the severity and activity level of the disease. He is one of the 'lucky' ones as they had caught it within the fairly early stages!

Seven years later and the drugs were no longer working - he would oftern say whilst walking that it was as if he were walking on just the bones. He, like many of others, go through so much from dealing with stress, depression and physical deterioration to dealing with the side effects that accompany the treatment - one drug used is a chemotherapy drug!

Finally on new biological drugs he was able to carry on with the majority of his pre-RA activities although his life had changed dramatically. However, there is some hope - after a prolonged stay in hospital (due to an allergic reaction to the biological drugs)the disease - for some reason - has gone into remission and I have my old dad back again.

Back in 2005 the support network of NRAS would have been welcomed with open arms - as they not only help the patient but the families cope with the effects, treatment and life changes that occur. To know that people understand what you're going through and that there is a hope of a normal life would have made a big difference!

NRAS is a relatively small charity covering the whole of the UK with a handful of volunteers and dedicated members of staff! Rheumatoid Arthritis is not in the news and most people have never heard of it - but the majority of people will know a person living with the disease.

The disease isn't life threatening but life destroying!! Please help them carry on their amazing work and raise awareness of this horrendous disease. Any donation will make a huge difference to over 700,000 adults and children who are living with RA.

This will be my first ever race over 1500m - let alone a half marathon but I promise I will make you proud!