My name is Sam, and I wanted to share a bit about why I’m taking on this challenge.

I was diagnosed with AS back in the spring of 1998 and joined the North Bristol NASS group shortly afterwards. I’ve been attending ever since, getting weekly physiotherapy and support. I often joke about calling it the “torture club” and the physios “physioterrorists”, but the truth is I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done for me. The difference NASS has made to my life is hard to overstate. Without their support, I’m sure I would have had to give up work, and I suspect I may even have ended up in a wheelchair. Instead, I’ve stayed relatively mobile and able to enjoy a much better quality of life.

Doing this wing‑walk is my way of saying thank you to all the physiotherapists and everyone involved in NASS.

On Friday 28th August, I’ll be taking on something I never imagined I’d do — a wing walk on a vintage Boeing Stearman biplane at Rendcomb Aerodrome. I’ll be strapped to the top of the aircraft, reaching speeds of up to 120mph, with zoom climbs, dives, steep turns and low‑level flypasts. It’s definitely outside my comfort zone.

I’m doing this to raise money for NASS (National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society) and our local NASS Bristol branch, where I’ve been a member for 28 years. The physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and community support have made a huge difference to my life.

I live with Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), a long‑term inflammatory condition that causes chronic back pain, stiffness, fatigue and inflammation in the spine, pelvis and other joints. It can also affect the eyes, gut and tendons, and in some cases the spine can gradually fuse. There’s no cure, but with the right treatment, exercise and support, people can stay active and live full lives. NASS has been there for me throughout my journey.

I want to give something back to both the national charity and our Bristol branch, so donations will be split between the two. Your support will help fund national research, education and advocacy, support our Bristol hydrotherapy sessions, help people newly diagnosed, and improve long‑term management of this lifelong condition.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting NASS and everyone living with Axial Spondyloarthritis.

Sam