This May, I am taking part in the Walk Your AS Off challenge to raise awareness about axial SpA (Ankylosing Spondylitis), and vital funds to transform the diagnosis and care of people living with axial SpA.

I've recently had confirmation that I have been living with AS , including significant spinal fusion and will have been going through this painful change for many years. Average diagnosis take 8.5 years, mine has taken longer with my first symptoms going back to my 20's. I've recently been living through a very difficult period with it and a severe exhausting flair up and am keen to help raise funds to help others get early and proper diagnosis. This illness hit you physically and mentally and my battles with it have been severe over the years with major pain, increasing mobility struggles, exhaustion and depression resulting from it.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) affects an estimated 270,000 people in the UK. Axial SpA is an inflammatory disease of the spine and joints. Inflammation where muscles attach to the bones, causes extreme pain. If left untreated, it can permanently fuse bones together. Its an invisible and misdiagnosed condition. Often leaving people feeling powerless, in increasing pain and extreme exhaustion.

Walk Your AS Off is a virtual step challenge. I will be spending the month walking regularly (which is currently very painful) "assisted" by my tiny pooch Arthur and recording my steps on the challenge site via my fitbit as I go.

My siblings are also effected by this illness , so I am also doing this for them.

Any help anybody can give is hugely appreciated for a cause that will really benefit from every bit of help it can get.