Mark Rind
London Marathon 2017 #formysister
Fundraising for National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS)
Story
Back in 2015 my brother and I were watching the London Marathon on TV. I have always admired those that took part and being part of this amazing event has always been on my list of things to do. We decided at that point to do it one year. Now, I'm not a runner. In fact I'm not sporty. AT ALL! That decision was, whilst ambitious, perhaps, foolhardy.
That same year my sister Rachel (then 32) was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Luckily she had been diagnosed early enough so that with constant observations and check ups, there is a chance that she will not end up in a wheelchair. But that still remains a potential reality. The problem with RA is that there is no cure. Drugs help to reduce the impact but the drugs are mostly experimental and need constant checks by specialists. The drugs also have side affects. This really is a terrible disease that has the power to cripple an active body. Rachel IS sporty. Always active and thrives under adrenaline. Now her RA determines when and how she can exercise, too much and it rears its ugly head and gives her horrendous pain in her joints.
It's not just the elderly that have arthritis (as I thought), it's old AND young. Rachel is now managing her RA by regular check ups with her consultant and taking a daily cocktail of drugs.
Then we discovered the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), a very small charity that do wonders to help and support those with RA.
Fast forward to 2016 and I challenge my brother to run the London Marathon with me in 2017 in aid of the NRAS (remember, I don't run!). He, though, has just had a knee operation and cannot take part. So I get two places running for NRAS and because I don't run (have I mentioned that yet?) I decide to run #formysister, with my sister.
So here we are. Myself and Rachel will be 'running' the London Marathon in aid of NRAS to show everyone that Rheumatoid Arthritis will not hold you back. Although it is with you for life, it's not a life sentence; you can still achieve your goals. (plus 'running' with Rachel means that I can go a little slower which takes the pressure off me, after all I don't run!).
And why is Rachel 'running' the marathon? Simple. She wants to communicate the message that having RA isn't a life sentence and despite having an incurable condition you can still live your life to the full. To the thousands of RA and juvenile RA (JIA) sufferers...don't let it beat you!
Thank you for getting this far! Your support is so greatly appreciated as we train/suffer through the winter months for this great 'day out in London'. Any penny you can spare will be incredibly gratefully received by the NRAS.
On behalf of the NRAS, THANK YOU!
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is here to support all those living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to allow them to live their lives to the full. Visit our website at www.nras.org.ukNRAS is changing minds, changing services, changing lives for people with RA and JIA
That same year my sister Rachel (then 32) was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Luckily she had been diagnosed early enough so that with constant observations and check ups, there is a chance that she will not end up in a wheelchair. But that still remains a potential reality. The problem with RA is that there is no cure. Drugs help to reduce the impact but the drugs are mostly experimental and need constant checks by specialists. The drugs also have side affects. This really is a terrible disease that has the power to cripple an active body. Rachel IS sporty. Always active and thrives under adrenaline. Now her RA determines when and how she can exercise, too much and it rears its ugly head and gives her horrendous pain in her joints.
It's not just the elderly that have arthritis (as I thought), it's old AND young. Rachel is now managing her RA by regular check ups with her consultant and taking a daily cocktail of drugs.
Then we discovered the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), a very small charity that do wonders to help and support those with RA.
Fast forward to 2016 and I challenge my brother to run the London Marathon with me in 2017 in aid of the NRAS (remember, I don't run!). He, though, has just had a knee operation and cannot take part. So I get two places running for NRAS and because I don't run (have I mentioned that yet?) I decide to run #formysister, with my sister.
So here we are. Myself and Rachel will be 'running' the London Marathon in aid of NRAS to show everyone that Rheumatoid Arthritis will not hold you back. Although it is with you for life, it's not a life sentence; you can still achieve your goals. (plus 'running' with Rachel means that I can go a little slower which takes the pressure off me, after all I don't run!).
And why is Rachel 'running' the marathon? Simple. She wants to communicate the message that having RA isn't a life sentence and despite having an incurable condition you can still live your life to the full. To the thousands of RA and juvenile RA (JIA) sufferers...don't let it beat you!
Thank you for getting this far! Your support is so greatly appreciated as we train/suffer through the winter months for this great 'day out in London'. Any penny you can spare will be incredibly gratefully received by the NRAS.
On behalf of the NRAS, THANK YOU!
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is here to support all those living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to allow them to live their lives to the full. Visit our website at www.nras.org.ukNRAS is changing minds, changing services, changing lives for people with RA and JIA