9 months after recovering from an ACL reconstruction I was looking forward to getting back to my normal active life. However, a pain that started in my shoulder started to spread across both arms and hands and after a nervous few months, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a lifelong autoimmune disease that causes pain and swelling in my joints. 

I’ve managed to control the symptoms and whilst the gym and sports still can prove difficult, I’ve got myself into running. I’ve now become motivated to prove that this diagnosis won’t stop me from staying fit, healthy, and happy. 

Having spoken to my doctor, I've been told it's "not a terrible idea, just really difficult" to run a marathon in the first year of diagnosis. So for the challenge, I’ve signed up to run both my first and second marathons in this period, in Lisbon and London!

My grandmother, Gaga, had rheumatoid arthritis and helped to trial the medication that now allows me to take on challenges like this. I want to continue that journey and help do what I can to raise money for this good cause. 

Versus Arthritis invests in breakthrough treatments, the best information and vital support for everyone affected by arthritis. Please sponsor me so that together we can overcome the pain, isolation and fatigue of arthritis.