Thank you for visiting our JustGiving page! We are a team of three runners (Liesl, Claire & Judith) preparing and training to take part in the Belfast City Half Marathon on Sunday 20th September 2026. Our goal is to raise awareness about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and to support Arthritis UK, in particular their Young People's Service in Northern Ireland.

Did you know that arthritis can affect children too? One of our team members experienced this firsthand when her son was diagnosed with a rare form of JIA, aged 9, after nearly a year of worsening symptoms which impacted his mobility. He went from being an active child to struggling with everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs and everyday tasks. He had to give up all sports and hobbies he loved, including football and Junior Parkrun.

The journey to diagnosis was long and challenging due to the rarity of his condition. However, since beginning intensive treatment last year, he is making remarkable progress. He has returned to playing football with his football team, rejoined his athletics club, and even completed 17 Junior Parkruns post-diagnosis towards his goal of reaching 100. The exceptional care from Musgrave Park Hospital and the support from Arthritis UK have been so crucial in his journey.

There are approximately 10,000 children under 16 in the UK living with JIA—that's one in every thousand—and around 500 children affected in Northern Ireland alone. Despite this, many people are unaware that arthritis can impact young lives. We want to change that by raising awareness about this condition and we also hope to raise funds for Arthritis UK’s vital work in Northern Ireland for Young People

Arthritis remains poorly understood, but through life-changing research, dedicated support services, and advocacy efforts funded by Arthritis UK, there is hope for better treatments and ultimately a cure. Your support will help ensure that every child with arthritis receives the care they need to live a full life.

We have set a fundraising target of £1,500 to contribute towards this important cause. Please join us in making a difference by donating today—every contribution brings us closer to improving lives affected by JIA.

Thank you very much for your support.