I have set myself this challenge to get on my bike and pedal my way 100 miles around London and Surrey in support of The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Support group. 

My wife Amy was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Disease under a year ago, it came from nowhere, she had not been poorly, it just started on the day of Noah's christening. It hit her like a train and the very unwelcome visitor has not left our life since. Everyday she battles with different inflamed joints and other issues surrounding the condition, from constant fatigue to anxiety and depression all whilst trying her hardest to care for our 1 year old son and maintain a 'normal' life. There is very little awareness around the condition and when people hear the word arthritis they assume it's an achey joint or painful hand as you would expect from osteoarthritis, a condition generally gained in old age and wear and tear. Rheumatoid disease is so much more, there is no cure, it is something that will live with us for the rest of our life. 

At a recent consultation we discovered the condition has already begun to damage the bones in Amy's joints, they have begun the deterioration process. The consultants words were 'the medication works for 90% of patients, unfortunately you are in the other 10%' It was on hearing these words that I decided I had to do something to raise the awareness of this condition and support my wife. 

I am sure after cycling 100 miles my joints and body will ache and hurt in places I never knew existed but it is no comparison to the pain and hurt my wife suffers on a daily basis and the pain that we suffer as a family watching her hurting. 

Please support me in any way you can and if you fancy joining me for a training ride I would welcome the company and motivation.

Much love.

Joe X 

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