Now is the time for me to combine my passions for walking with my desire to help others like me and those organisations who have helped me in my journey.

1. Walking has changed my life.

2. Support from NASS and their community helps my ongoing AS journey.

3. It is my time to give back.

In June 2022 having taken on a 50km walk around the beautiful Lake District between Ambleside and Kendal in support of NASS, I am now taking my ambition with a 100km continuous challenge around Nidderdale, Yorkshire.

This is the next big event in my challenge of myself to raise awareness and understanding of my condition AS and the main charity that supports people like me with knowledge, education, advice, advocacy, research and analysis.

Why am I doing this, what is in it for me?

Reward - I am driven intrinsically by things that matter to me. External and material things do not matter. This challenge will give me great personal pride and satisfaction of knowing I have challenged myself, helped others and done some good.

Fitness - Fitness is a massive part of any battle with AS. When my condition is most manageable my fitness is at its peak. The walking challenge and training will help me maintain and improve  my fitness. I am keen to explore if this can result in remission again.

Wellbeing - Walking is my happy place that gives me time and space to think and logically overcome challenges. Helping my mental wellbeing and balance.

Why NASS? 

AS is a debilitating long term immune system rheumatalogical condition. In my early days as a sufferer it was hard to move, walk and even get out of bed due to back stiffness, pain and inflammation. 

More than 200,000 people in the UK have AS. NASS are an organisation that raise awareness, support AS sufferers, fight to improve treatment and enable people to take control of their condition.

It is due to organisations like NASS that new treatments become available through research, awareness and  lobbying. 

So my challenge is to raise awareness for the organisation through my love for walking. 

Please support me and the organisation that has supported me through the tough times and beyond. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.