Thousands of people with axial SpA, a painful and progressive inflammatory condition of the spine and joints, will be walking thousands of steps during May to raise awareness of the condition and funds for NASS to support thousands living with it.

Axial SpA affects 1 in 200 people in the UK – twice as many as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s. If left untreated and symptoms are unmanaged, it can permanently fuse the spine and joints. It’s an invisible and misdiagnosed condition with no cure. It works silently, leaving people feeling isolated and powerless, in increasing pain and extreme exhaustion, making basic daily tasks and full-time employment very difficult, or even impossible.

Your support has never been more urgent. Thousands of people receive little or no NHS information or support when diagnosed and experience very long waiting times and delays in care due to chronic understaffing in rheumatology departments. Therefore, thousands of people with axial SpA are having to choose between coping alone or paying for care. While welfare organisations are overwhelmed during this cost-of-living crisis, more people than ever need our help to claim life-changing disability benefits to cope with imposed extra living costs, including unemployment, unpaid sick leave, reduced working hours or changing jobs, out-of-pocket medical expenses, over the counter drugs, travel costs and paid exercise sessions.

NASS is often the only place people can turn to for support. We ensure people with axial SpA get the latest information, advice and support they need to live better with their condition.

Whether it's a very gentle session or something more challenging, people with axial SpA from all around the globe will be guided every step of the way by Jamie and Geoff at Yoga for AS to help them stretch more for their AS this September. All whilst raising vital funds for NASS and raising awareness of axial SpA.

NASS is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people with axial SpA. NASS doesnt receive any statutory funding. We rely on your kindness and generosity, and other people like you, to help us transform the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with axial SpA and help more people live well with the condition sooner.

It costs around:

£10 to respond to a Helpline enquiry via phone or email.

£25 to provide one pack of NASS guidebooks for an axial SpA clinic.

£50 to support one person to apply for vital welfare and benefits.

£100 to help provide one My AS, My Life session to help people manage their symptoms between hospital appointments.

£250 help provide an online session to help up to 20 people to learn how to manage their pain and fatigue and sleep better.

Your support for NASS and people with axial SpA is more critical than ever. As the NHS recovers from the pandemic, thousands of people are being left to cope with debilitating pain, exhaustion and fatigue alone. With a cost-of-living crisis, more people need our support to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

Thank you in advance for your wonderful support. Axial SpA may work silently. We don't.