Challenge: Walk with us, Walk For AS

When: March 2021

Distance: 50miles

Who: Josh and Sandra 

Why: To raise vital funds to support everyone living with axial SpA (AS)

During March my son Josh and I will be taking on a challenge of walking 50miles. We are doing this to raise awareness of Axial Spondyloarthritis and hopefully raise some funds for NASS.  This is a cause very close to my heart . As many of you already know I suffer from this condition. I also have a sister and a brother who suffer from this condition. Many people living with this condition know that often people don’t know much about the condition at all and find it hard to understand. 

NASS is the only charity in the UK dedicated to transforming axial SpA (AS) care in the UK. They are working hard to dramatically increase public and professional awareness of axial SpA (AS). 

Axial Spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory arthritis where the main symptom is back pain. Axial spondyloarthritis is an umbrella term and it includes: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA). It’s a painful, progressive form of inflammatory arthritis. It mainly affects the spine but can also affect other joints, tendons and ligaments. It is however a complex condition which affects different people in different ways, often with other related issues affecting the eyes, skin and bowel. From the more visible physical changes to the less obvious invisible symptoms that many suffer. NASS is fighting on all fronts to try to raise awareness. 

There is currently no cure for axial SpA (AS).

Some typical symptoms of axial SpA (AS) include:

• Slow or gradual onset of back pain and stiffness over weeks or months
• Early-morning stiffness and pain, wearing off or reducing during the day with exercise
• Persistence for more than 3 months (as opposed to coming on in short attacks)
• Feeling better after exercise and worse after rest
• Fatigue or tiredness

Despite a widespread lack of awareness of the condition, axial SpA (AS) is not rare. 1 in 200 of the adult population in the UK have axial SpA (AS). That's twice as many as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease combined yet public awareness remains low. The current average delay to diagnosis from when symptoms start is 8.5 years, by which time irreversible damage to the spine may have occurred. 59% of people with axial SpA (AS) report experiencing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. 

I know many of you won't think 50 miles is a lot but with someone suffering from this condition it is a challenge. So I am going to challenge myself, with my son alongside supporting me, to  raise money and awareness for not only me but everyone affected by this debilitating chronic condition. 

We are putting our best foot forward to raise vital funds for NASS, and help provide specialist support, advice and the most up-to-date information to empower people with axial SpA (AS) to manage their condition. So if you feel you would like to help us with our challenge and are able to you can donate on our justgiving page or we also have sponsor sheets so you can give a donation to any family member. 

Many thanks. 

Sandra and Josh