Having recently been diagnosed with Axial Spondyloarthritis, this May, I am taking part in the Walk Your AS Off challenge to raise awareness about axial SpA, and vital funds to transform the diagnosis and care of people living with axial SpA.

It might not sound much, but I’m aiming to hit 6000 steps a day. This is the upper limit for me before it starts to effect my body, especially pain in my sacroiliac joints, and I become fatigued. I’m hoping with having started biological treatment I will be able to slowly increase my step count as we go through May.

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 and is all about getting active for health, your way. You walk or run a distance of your choice, whilst supporting others who live with axial SpA. It's organised by Walk AS One, a volunteer-led organisation based in the US that motivates the global axial SpA (AS) community to raise awareness about the condition.