My name is Matthew. I'll never break any records, but I do like a challenge.

Early in 2025 I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, a type of vasculitis, Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

While 10% of the population suffer from autoimmune diseases like the often mentioned, type 1 diabetes, celiac or psoriasis, all the many forms of vasculitis are considered rare diseases. EGPA itself has an estimated prevalence of 2–38 per 1,000,000 people in Europe.

Churg-Strauss, who's ever heard of that?

Before EGPA I loved to run. People recognised me as a runner first and foremost. If in conversation, running would be what people would ask me about. I have completed many races in my time as a runner including ultra-marathon events up to 100 miles and 24-hour challenges, and I love a challenge.

My symptoms I'm sure sound familiar. My symptoms snuck up on me over a few months, maybe half a year as I transitioned from the eosinophilic phase to the vasculitic state. I had no energy. I needed sleep all the time, but sleep didn't help, this was pure and debilitating fatigue! My muscles ached. What was once easy now took time or was impossible. Elevated heart rate, night sweats, extreme limb swelling and a loss of sensation in my feet and hands were all exhibited.

The GP investigated the most likely options. No cancer, maybe chronic fatigue or a deep-seated viral infection. It might go away on its own. Give it time.

I am grateful that an angel was watching me and guiding me. My angel sped up my diagnosis considerably. I fall considerably short of the mean, mode and median times for diagnosis of this thing. Thank you.

Ultimately, EGPA stole my running identity from me for many long and painful months. My running shoes laid under the bed unused. I could hardly move some days.

My body ached like I had run a marathon, but I had done nothing.

There is hope.

I have medicated with the expected daily hand full of pills and irregular infusion dates. I have struggled with the highs and lows of the drugs I am taking to the point where I am now in remission. Mononeuritis multiplex (MNM) still lingers. Everything else feels 8 out of 10 (I like to nap now if I can get away with it), but the MNM causes ongoing pain in my feet and hands. I try not to let it bother me.

I have learnt to run again. I've paid my dues and plodded through the coach to 5k programme. Learning to run again was a tear inducing, humbling experience. I have progressed a little with time but running is now a slower and harder process than it was before. 80, 90 or 100 miles a week are now a distant memory. Running hurts to the point of pain because of vasculitis but for many reasons I am compelled to push on passed the points of physical, mental and emotional discomfort.

I need to build up more mileage again if I am to achieve my next challenge. Can I be bold enough to say EGPA won't stop me!

It's time for a challenge.

In September 2020 (Covid), I ran 630 miles in the month. In 2023 I ran 4169 miles in the year. Now I want to know how far I can run in a decade. I challenge myself to see if I can make 33,000 miles. I won't let vasculitis stop me.

My first race was on March 5th, 2017, a local half marathon. By March 4th, 2027 I want to have run 33,000 miles.

That's 3,300 miles a year, or 275 miles a month if you prefer.

If you say 9.1 miles a day for 3652 days, it doesn't sound that far.

What remains of this running task is detailed on my justgiving page. I am now challenged on behalf of Vasculitis UK.

Can I complete this challenge? I don't know! 25% of this challenge will be undertaken while suffering with vasculitis.

Will my body let me down? I hope not! I will run with the ones I love the most. They are my greatest inspiration.

Please cheer me as I try to complete this challenge!