“Five years ago, I couldn’t walk. Now I’m taking on the Marathon Des
Sables (toughest footrace in the world) to support others living with Axial Spondyloarthritis.”

After leaving the army in 2016, I started experiencing back pain, that just got worse and worse. Initially I thought the pain was down to starting a desk job. As it worsened, I saw many GPs all who diagnosed different conditions from slip disks to nerve damage in my legs. I was advised to treat the pain with Ibuprofen, Naproxin and Diclofenic for more than 1 year and have endless physiotherapy. Within 18 months, I couldn’t walk.

My wife dragged me (literally) for a private MRI scan and an appointment with a specialist. He spotted
straight away that I had a condition called axial Spondyloarthritis (axialSpA), a progressive form of inflammatory arthritis.

 
I had no idea what a diagnosis of axial SpA would mean for me but stupidly googled the disease and was horrified by the pictures and the long term prognosis (progressive disability and life shortening).

 
This time my wife figuratively dragged me out of a blackhole of shock and depression by finding NASS and getting me to ring their helpline. They were so reassuring; explaining that with the right medication, exercise, diet and lifestyle I could overcome the disease.

 
Initially, it was hard to get moving again but I increased my activity every day from yoga, to walking, to swimming and then eventually running.

 
I quickly found that the more I ran, the better and longer my back felt better. The next step was only logical; find the longest and hardest race and sign up for it! So I signed up for the Marathon Des Sables; 150 miles across the Sahara desert in 6 days carrying 10kg of my own kit!

I want to raise as much money as possible for NASS as I know I am fortunate compared to many other people who live with axial SpA. I received my diagnosis relatively quickly compared to many other people who wait, on average, 8.5 years by which time irreversible spinal damage can occur.

Also, my symptoms are relatively mild compared to others who need to take complex medication that is immunosuppressant. This has meant many sufferers have had to isolate during Covid and even now are shielding while the general population have been able to start returning to a normal life.

 
You can find out more about the amazing NASS here:

Homepage | National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (nass.co.uk)