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On 27th April 2025, I'm taking on the challenge of running the London Marathon for the first time! I'm running for "Versus Arthritis" because it's a charity that's close to my heart.

In 2013, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis following some severe and painful swelling in my knees. I had had a very similar episode of swelling and pain about 20 years earlier so I think that I've suffered from this horrid condition since 1991.

In 2013, the pain and swelling in my knees was brought under control with a course of steroids, at the end of which I was prescribed a long-term disease modifying medication. Unfortunately, I had a very severe and life-threatening reaction to this medication, I was hospitalised for 2 weeks and found myself unable to work for 3 months.

Several months after my recovery from this reaction, I braved trying a different but similar medication to bring the arthritic pain and swelling back under control. I took this medication for 3 years until I had the good news that my arthritis was in remission in February 2017. I came off the medication and luckily my arthritis remains in remission today.

I started running in January 2023 and fell in love with it! It's been good for my arthritis, so I've decided to take on the challenge of The London Marathon to help others who suffer with the pain of arthritis which can often be debilitating.

Please donate if you can so that I can reach my target and help this brilliant charity.

In the words of "Versus Arthritis":

Millions of people wake up with arthritis every morning and face the day in pain, without the support and recognition they deserve. Arthritis attacks what it means to live and people with arthritis are often left to manage alone.

Versus Arthritis invests in breakthrough treatments, the best information and vital support for everyone affected by arthritis.

Please sponsor me so that together we can overcome the pain, isolation and fatigue of arthritis.