Thanks for taking the time to visit Phil's JustGiving page.  I am Phil's partner (Angela), writing this on his behalf  - even though it will very much be him running/walking/limping the marathon!  

Those of you who know Phil may understand a little about Haemochromatosis and the devastating impact it has had on our lives.  It's a genetic disorder causing the body to absorb an excessive amount of iron from the diet: the iron is then deposited in various organs - mainly the liver, but also the heart, endocrine glands and joints. The damage this iron overload can cause is significant:  arthritis, chronic tiredness, psychiatric disorders, liver disorders (including cirrhosis and cancer) and diabetes are common consequences of this widely under-diagnosed condition.

In his twenties, Phil continually sought medical advice over a range of symptoms including joint pain, stomach pain and tiredness.  Unfortunately - due to a lack of awareness of this condition across the medical community - a correct diagnosis of haemochromatosis wasn't made until he was 34.  The damage caused by this stage was huge - Phil suffers with bipolar disorder, has scarring to the liver and has osteoarthritis in his ankles, knees, hips and hands.  It has been the arthritis that has perhaps had the most profound effect - apart from being  incredibly painful,  there are days when flare-ups mean Phil is unable to walk even short distances.  For someone who used to be fit, healthy and participate in a wide range of sports, you can imagine how difficult this has been to cope with at such a relatively young age.  In addition, it can make day to day life very hard when you have a job and a family to manage.

What's particularly frustrating is that this condition is very manageable.  It can't be cured, but iron levels can easily be kept under control.  Early diagnosis is essential to prevent the kind of damage that Phil now has to live with - but unfortunately diagnosis is too often too late.

Given that there are days when he can't walk, I was pretty surprised (and worried) when Phil announced he was going to participate in the marathon to raise awareness and funds for the society.   However, I know how determined/stubborn he is and - when he is feeling well between flare ups - how much energy and commitment he can give to whatever he sets his sights on.  Completing the marathon - no matter how long it takes - would be a very important achievement for him as he is all too aware that his joint issues will just worsen with age (i.e. now that he is knocking on a bit this could be his last chance!!).  It's likely he will have to walk much of the distance and will be a bear with a sore head (and ankles/knees) for at least a week after!  Also, there is a risk he might not be able to participate if we're hit with a major flare-up on the day - however, if you can donate to help the Haemochromatosis Society with this important awareness raising work, we'd be incredibly grateful.

Even if you can't donate, we would implore you to check out http://haemochromatosis.org.uk   Thousands of people across the UK are carriers of the gene, and there are no doubt thousands of undiagnosed sufferers too.  The one good thing that has come out of all this for us is that we can ensure our son, Matthew (pictured), is tested when he is old enough and (if needed) get the early treatment so critical to preventing the life changing damage many sufferers experience - so please check it out!