In 2009 Jay (my husband) became very ill; he had severe chest, back & neck pain, struggled to breath and was totally exhausted all of the time. After months of hospital visits, he was diagnosed with AS, and incurable, debilitating spinal disease that mainly affects joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joint in the pelvis, which can cause eventual fusion of the spine.

He commenced with his long term treatment (Humira) to slow the progression of the disease down some months after being diagnosed and I remember breathing a sigh of relieve that it wasn't a terminal illness, however nothing could have prepared us for how this incurable disease could change somebody’s life forever. The pain and fatigue that he suffers is unexplainable to people, and unless you see it for yourself, it is hard to comprehend; it is through Jay's strength of character that he gets up everyday and faces life head on.

Since the day of his diagnosis I vowed to raise awareness to help charities like NASS.

Although I don’t suffer from the disease, I fully understand the impact it has on somebody’s life and those around, as this is by far the most difficult thing I've ever done, which is why I am driven to help raise awareness of this disease and do anything I can to help Jay and others like him.

I have set myself a huge target of £5000, so please dig deep every penny helps.

NASS is the only registered UK charity dedicated to the needs of people with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). NASS raises awareness and works hard alongside the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to support early diagnosis and appropriate care for AS sufferers