I'm running the Great South Run in memory of a dear friend who passed away in 2024.

She lived an incredible, full life to the age of 70 with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Despite the challenges, she was fiercely independent, endlessly curious, and devoted to her family and helping others.

Caring for her wasn’t a job — it was a joy. We shared countless adventures (and a bit of mischief too), and I only wish we'd met sooner.

Every year, we joked about entering the Great South Run together — her in her wheelchair, me pushing. While I can't push her with me now, I can carry her memory every step of the way.

I've chosen this charity in her honour, to support others living with JIA and to celebrate the strength, humour, and resilience she showed every single day.

Please consider supporting if you can — for her, and for everyone facing life with JIA.