**ATTENTION PLEASE**

As I turn the grand old age of 40, I wanted to set myself a personal challenge, to raise money for a charity that I feel doesn't have a huge amount of exposure and is very close to my heart, Psoriatic Arthritis.

I was 21 years of age when I started to develop psoriasis in my nails, skin and hair.  Unfortunately, this then developed into psoriatic arthritis.  Having 2 young children, this was a very tough time as I had the bones of a more mature lady.  

Once the kids were old enough, I was allowed to go back onto my medication and things started to improve.  However, when Ffion was a baby we went abroad on holiday and I caught a stomach bug. When we returned home, I just couldn't shake what I had caught and my knee joints became very inflamed. After various trips to the doctor and hospital, I was diagnosed with reactive arthritis which brings me onto why I'd like people to please dig deep!

Reactive arthritis was extremely debilitating, I could barely walk.  However, due to the fantastic work of the Rheumatology Dept (in particular Dr Julian Nash of University Hospital of Wales), trying out various different drugs, steroids and eventually having my legs drained, I was offered a miracle drug, Simponi. Taken every month by injection, this has literally turned my life around. It has enabled me to return to normal activities and most importantly, exercise.

On Sunday 23rd May 2021, myself and my cycling buddy Kate are participating in an 87km event (Black Rat Cycle).  I appreciate times are tough at the moment, however if you would like to make a small donation for this fantastic charity, I would be very grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and wish me and my padded shorts good luck! Here's hoping for a rain and wind free day!