This September, we (Al & Simon) are taking part in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride, to raise awareness about axial spondyloarthritis (Axial SpA) and hopefully some vital funds to support people living with axial SpA.  

Axial SpA is a form of inflammatory arthritis that most commonly affects the spine.  It is however a complex condition which affects different people in different ways, often with other related issues.  An inflammatory disease of the spine and joints; inflammation where muscles attach to the bones, causes extreme pain. If left untreated, it can permanently fuse bones together.  It is an invisible and misdiagnosed condition.  Often leaving people feeling powerless, in increasing pain and extreme exhaustion. There is currently no cure for axial SpA.

In 2003 Alistair's wife Katy (now 43) was diagnosed with axial SpA.  Every day she lives with a degree of pain, some days are manageable and other days can feel more difficult . At its worse, during flairs, it goes far beyond attacking her joints and has impacted her vision, gut and bowel.  

So few people have ever heard about axial SpA and even fewer have an appreciation of what it is like to live with this each day. 

National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) is the charity that seeks to transform the diagnosis and care of people living with axial SpA.  NASS is determined that everyone receives effective care and the support they need to tackle living with the condition.

NASS has provided invaluable support to Katy; whether medical information, the latest information and research findings linked to Axial SpA or even an understanding ear/online community sounding board at times when others simply do not to understand the condition and its apparent randomness and invisible nature. 

Just by you reading this page we achieve one of our goals, raising awareness of axial SpA and the amazing support that NASS provide to the many people who live with this condition. If you are able to go one step further and make a donation we hope to help the many people who depend, or will come to depend on NASS. 

Axial SpA affects an estimated 220,000 people (1 in 200) in the UK. Every penny we raise will help power NASS's support services for thousands of people, like Katy, with axial SpA, so that NASS can be with them all the way.

In 2021 calls to the NASS Helpline increased by a third, and they supported over 7,500 people who were struggling with issues related to axial SpA, or faced financial difficulties due to their condition. NASS doesn't receive any statutory funding, so they rely on the kindness and generosity of people like you to help them deliver their life-changing work. Find out more at: https://nass.co.uk/london-2-brighton/ 

Thank you for supporting us to pedal for NASS.  88 km, all for people living with axial spondyloarthritis.  Let's do this.