Here is why I am taking part in this year's Strength-tember.

Getting a diagnosis of AS takes years - particularly for women. My first symptom was my neck/shoulder back when I was a teenager and it has taken until my mid 30s to find out why I suffer pain in my neck and shoulder, suffer from fatigue and struggle with my back and many other joints in my body.

Luckily I have found an NSAID medication that helps but getting support is still difficult as waiting times in our NHS are ridiculous. I am helping to raise money to support this.