Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Juvenile Arthritis Research [JAR] is a charity very close to our hearts. As many of you will know Laura was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in 2021 at the age of 6. This turned our worlds upside down and has continued to have a big impact on our day to day lives.

JIA is a rare autoimmune condition that affects around 1 in every 1,600 children aged under 16 who can experience symptoms of joint inflammation, pain, reduced mobility, fatigue, and sometimes visual changes as a result of uveitis – inflammation of part of the eye which if undetected or untreated, can lead to permanent sight loss. These symptoms often occur without infection or injury and can be hard to spot.

Sadly, as JIA is an autoimmune condition, the body’s natural immune system, which is designed to fight infections, starts attacking the joints by mistake. If this is not stopped, the joints become damaged, exacerbating the above symptoms and having a major effect on the wellbeing of children and families living with this.

Children with JIA have to go for frequent specialist reviews and can be supported by many Healthcare Professionals. For Laura, she currently sees a Rheumatologist, Ophthalmologist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Community Nurses, Phlebotomist, GP, Pharmacist and Wheelchair Services to help manage her condition along with taking 6 different medications including immunosuppressant injections.

One of the things that really helped us when Laura was diagnosed was Juvenile Arthritis Research [JAR] and the Little Box of Hope they kindly sent out. This contained lots of useful information for both Laura and ourselves that helped us feel less alone. Through fundraising, JAR was recently able to host its first in-person event in London that we were fortunate enough to attend and connect with other families who are also sharing this journey with us.

To give something back and to continue the vital work of this charity, we have decided to take on The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge which is a gruelling 24-mile hike including 1585 (5,200 feet) ascent that we aim to complete in under 12 hours.

We would greatly appreciate any support and donations towards this fantastic cause that is so close to our hearts.

Thank you Kindly,

Faye, Sam & Laura

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