Ryan and I are taking on the Purple Gunge Challenge to raise funds and awareness for the more than 10,000 young people in the UK living with arthritis on the 9th May 2026.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is an inflammatory condition that affects a child’s joints and sometimes their organs. It can cause severe pain, stiffness and reduced mobility — and in some cases, children can become reliant on a wheelchair. There is currently no cure, but with the right support and treatment, lives can be changed.

Our reason for doing this is deeply personal.For months, we watched our daughter Elena struggle. She began dragging her legs, moving differently, and was struggling day to day.We knew something wasn’t right. Appointment after appointment, we voiced our concerns — but we felt unheard. We were reassured, dismissed, and told different explanations, yet her symptoms continued to worsen.

As parents, it’s heartbreaking to see your child in pain and feel powerless. We had to keep pushing, keep fighting, and keep advocating for her to finally be listened to. After a long and exhausting back and forth with doctors, Elena was finally diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis on 8th January 2026.

While receiving a diagnosis was devastating, it was also a relief. We finally had answers. Most of all, we saw the incredible strength in our little girl — strength that inspires us every single day.

We are taking part in the Purple Gunge Challenge to stand up for Elena and for every child battling arthritis. No family should have to fight to be heard, and no child should suffer in silence.

Please support us with a donation to help raise awareness, fund vital research, and provide support for children and families living with JIA.

Thank you for helping us turn our fight into something positive.

£5 will provide 3 booklets to help children learn about the disease and give practical advice

£10 will provide a 30-minute helpline call to give support at a time of crisis

£30 will enable a one-hour facilitated meeting for a family with a recent diagnosis

Please give whatever you can💜