Hello, thankyou for taking the time to show interest in my campaign. Please do read to the end...

A few years ago i met Corazon, a mother and wife living in the Northern Philippines with her husband and children. We connected via a support page for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and have become good friends. I‘ve had this condition since i was 14 and despite some tough times i have been so lucky to have access to the best treatments plus two hip replacements, giving me a great quality of life. RA is so much more than painful joints; you can get it at any age (even babies) and it can play havoc with internal organs, energy levels, infections, anaemia etc. Corazon’s son Richmond, who is now 7, has had an agressive form of the disease since he was only 2 years old. He already has joint deformities, side effects from medications and is in pain every day. He has missed years of schooling and the chance to play and laugh like other children. RA can be a very cruel disease, even more so in a young child.

Richmond needs access to a drug called Actemra (Tocilizumab), the same drug i am treated with once per month in hospital. This drug switches off the disease by modifying the immune system and has relatively few side effects. It would give Richmond his life back and ensure his future health and prospects in life. Unfortunately for his parents, the drug is very expensive and far out of reach for them. He is currently suppressing the disease with steroids (prednisone) which have dangerous side effects in the long term causing kidney and heart problems, infections, stomach problems etc.

For the last two years, i have tried to build up a group of small monthly donations from friends and family to pay for his drug. These donations are very helpful and have provided infusions 3-4 times a year, but unfortunately it’s not enough to have a significant clinical impact. Richmond is still unwell and even the costs of maintenance medication, journeys to Manila for appointments etc. are too big a financial burden on the family. They live in a province called Pampanga which is very rural. Corazon's husband works as a driver, earning around £5 a day.

With the help and input of the existing donors, we have decided on a new way forward. Richmond’s condition is lifelong; there is no cure, and his family desperately want to provide for him themselves.

Earlier this year, Corazon considered applying to work in the Middle East as a domestic worker, meaning she would have to leave her children for 2-3 years. Although commonplace in this part of the world, its a choice no mother should have to make. With few employment or education opportunities in their rural area, it was Corazon’s only chance to earn a decent sum. Shockingly, this sacrifice would still only allow her to save £300 per year.

Her dream is to save enough to start her own rice selling business, something that is rather profitable in her community. She has ready her plans, her suppliers, her customers- she just needs the money to start! They are an honest, loving family who desperately want to provide for their family independently. If we can empower this woman to start her own business, we are directly supporting Richmond’s medical costs and his future prospects - for the long term.

This little boy lives in pain every day and his mum feels like her hands are tied. Their life is a struggle and they do not have a welfare or health system to rely on as we do. I can't imagine the feeling of watching your child suffer a painful disease and not be able to help them. I would absolutely love to give this lovely lady a chance at this business and to give her children a better shot at life - especially little Richmond to whom life has played a cruel card.

If you would like to donate towards this opportunity for Corazon to fund Richmond's medical fees now and in the future, you can use this page or donate in person. If you would be interested in joining my monthly club to support the family, please let me know.

Any funds raised above the amount needed will, of course, go towards Richmond's medical fees directly.

Thank you, you amazing people!

Kate