In October 2021, I started experiencing intense pain in my back, waking up in the night with fevers and chills, and by Christmas time, was unable to walk more than a few steps without experiencing excruciating pain. 

It took several rounds of testing, and a full body MRI to finally diagnose this mystery pain as non-radiographic axial spondyloarthropathy (AS) - a type of inflammatory arthritis, which, left untreated can cause bone to fuse. 1 in 200 adults in the UK have AS, and it can take 8.5 years to diagnose. 

I was unable to work for several months, missing my job as a paramedic in Bristol. 

Thankfully, under treatment with the NHS, I was prescribed immunosuppressant drugs, which calm the immune response that causes the inflammation, and in turn, the eventual fusing. 

My conditions are now under control, and i'm able to get back to the work and the active lifestyle that is so important to me. 

In recognition of the amazing work the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS), I'm asking for sponsorship as I cycle to Spain this August - a journey of around 880 miles. 

NASS aim to empower everyone with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) to manage their treatment and to stay in control of their lives. They are driven to ensure that health professionals around the country deliver tailored and timely care

Thank you.

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