Firstly thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page!

I plan to take on a 50 mile off-road ultra marathon across the Lake District, and in doing so would like to raise money for a worthwhile cause...

After years of back and joint issues and a worsening quality of life, my mum has finally been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). AS is a harsh strain of arthritis affecting the spine and joints. It is a chronic condition causing irreversible damage. There is no known cure and the cause is only partially understood.

More details of AS can be found here:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Ankylosing-spondylitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Thankfully there's a charity called the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) who support sufferers of AS. Amongst other things, they organise special physio/exercise sessions to try and increase mobility and slow the rate of AS.

Having entered my first ultra run later in this year, I figured this would be a great opportunity to raise awareness and funds for NASS...

So if you agree that me slogging from one end of the Lake District to the other - that's 50 miles in a day, and over 4000m of ascent (i.e. more than ascending Mont Blanc, or more than 4x the highest point in England), and about 12-14 hours of running - is worth a few of your hard earned coins, then your donation will be gratefully received by NASS!

Training is underway and I will post updates on progress through the summer. More details on the event here:
http://www.lakesinaday.co.uk/

Thanks for reading folks!

My good mate Rob Sharrock was due to complete the ultra with me, and his training was well underway when unfortunately he picked up an injury and had to withdraw. Many thanks to those who donated sponsorship via Rob who have very kindly agreed to let that sponsorship stand regardless :)