*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO THE PANDEMIC SITUATION IN ENGLAND - PLEASE SEE INFO BELOW*

PRESS RELEASE (06/02/2021)

As some of you are aware, I have been deliberating on what to do regarding my planned fundraiser in May of this year.

As mentioned on my social media, I gave myself until the end of January to see what happened with regards to the pandemic, my health and other factors.

I have now made that decision and it is with regret that I cannot go ahead with my plans for the walk to take place in May of this year.

Although my wife and I have now had our first vaccination shot, we both work in the NHS and see the very real and scary situation we are in on a daily basis. The vaccination offers hope, as does the amazing roll-out taking place in this country but with the new strains, I cannot see a future where in just a few weeks, it will be safe for me to stay in other people's houses and travel 130 miles around the county, eating in various places, sharing public transport etc. - especially as the efficacy of the vaccine is unproven as yet in the immunosuppressed, such as myself.

There are other factors involved in my decision, too. Due to shielding, I have been in just one shop since February 2020 - meaning I haven't even acquired my equipment yet and restrictions to my treatments, such as 'virtual' physio sessions, have really hampered my ability to train to the level I would like.

The final part of my decision was around the fundraising. I have always said I want this to be an event, not just a fundraiser. My original plan had me doing car boots, bake sales, fundraising at work etc. by now. Current restrictions have put pay to all of these ideas, along with people joining me on the walk itself. Make no mistake, this walk is going to cripple me for weeks after the event - it doesn't feel right doing it when I know I could raise 3-4 times as much (and more in awareness) under normal circumstances.

This event isn't cancelled, just postponed. I will wait another month or two before thinking if this is something we can arrange for later in the year or if it needs to be pushed back to next year. I originally picked May because of the significance, having been on crutches in May 2020 and none of this pandemic situation felt like it would still be an issue when I arranged that date - so I certainly don't want to underestimate it twice.

I feel that this is the safest and most sensible approach to take and whilst people are falling ill at an alarming rate, the right one morally too. I'm sure you'll be as disappointed as I, but I hope you understand.

Please note that I will keep the fundraising page open to accept donations until the new event date is announced as although I have had to cancel original plans, it doesn't change the fact that charities such as Versus Arthritis are in desperate need for funds given the events of the last year.

Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe, wear a mask and stay at home.

Joel.

The Why

More now than ever, people with arthritis need support. The global pandemic has severely impacted charities income, with the cancellation of marque events such as the London Marathon and through a mix of Shielding and prioritisation of the Covid effort, arthritis treatments, joint replacement surgeries and support have been significantly delayed.

People, like I was for a time in 2020, are stuck in their homes, without support, in pain and worried about their future. I hope by pushing myself way beyond what I should be capable of, I can raise some money and awareness to support these people suffering in silence. To replace some of the lost income and to tell my arthritis story along the way.

The When and Where

On Saturday 8th May 2021, starting at Knettishall Health in Suffolk, I will walk the 49-mile route of the Peddars Way to Holme next the Sea on the North Norfolk coast, followed by the 84 miles of the Norfolk Coastal Path, which runs from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. Averaging at 19 miles per day for 7 days, you can rest assured it's a significant challenge for this body of mine, that's had arthritis for 25 of my 36 years on this Earth, to hopefully encourage you to donate.

You can follow my journey via my website: https://joelvsarthritis.co.uk and I plan to produce a video log via Facebook and Instagram along the way. Sharing the pain and effort involved as well as hopefully giving people a glimpse of what life with arthritis is really like day to day.

The How (you can get involved)

I will also be sharing my route each day and encourage people to join me on the walk (socially distanced, of course!) along the way. So whether you want to support me, have arthritis and use it as motivation to move more or simply want to talk to me and share stories - it would be a massive help in getting me through this brutal challenge.

The Reality

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Millions of people wake up with arthritis every morning and face the day in pain, without the support and recognition they deserve. Arthritis attacks what it means to live and people with arthritis are often left to manage alone. Versus Arthritis invests in breakthrough treatments, the best information and vital support for everyone affected by arthritis. Please sponsor me so that together we can overcome the pain, isolation and fatigue of arthritis.