Thank you for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page which I have opened again this year.

A dear friend of ours, Paul who many of you know in person, or through his Facebook posts, suffers with a condition called Axial Spondyloarthritis, known as AS for short. (More information at the end of this page)

This is a horrible 'invisible' illnesses, but although Paul is amazingly stoical and puts a brave face on everything, he is often in great pain, has difficulty sleeping, and is on a rotten cocktail of medication. In fact he has worked really hard during lockdown to lose weight and increase his fitness, to do as much as he can to remain active.

However,  there is no cure for AS, and it will increasingly limit what he is able to do and enjoy.

The NASS – National Axial Spondylitis Society are the main UK Charity who work tirelessly to raise awareness and push for new treatments and support for people like Paul.

They are taking part in an awareness and fundraising event in May. Participants like Paul, Chris and I are part of a team, and we record, using a pedometer, the number of steps we take everyday in May 2021. The three of us are aiming for a combined total of One Million steps! Each team total for the month is entered in a worldwide competition with international A.S Groups and Societies.

Paul, Chris and I are in the AS Buzzers Team this year.

We all aim to do as many steps as we can in May, but to raise funds, We NEED SPONSORS!!!

This year we are ask you to sponsor Paul, Chris and me to do as many steps as we can. All money raised will go to NASS.

If you can help by giving any amount to this very worthwhile and little known cause..  please donate through this page!

Thank you for reading this, and we hope you can help,
Lots of Love from Anne, Chris and Paul xxx

Axial Spondyloarthritis (used to be called Ankylosing spondylitis), or AS for short, is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. In the most advanced cases this inflammation can lead to new bone formation on the spine, causing the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position, sometimes creating a forward-stooped posture. This forward curvature of the spine is called kyphosis.

AS can also cause inflammation, pain and stiffness in other areas of the body such as the shoulders, hips, ribs, heels and small joints of the hands and feet. Sometimes the eyes can become involved (known as Iritis or Uveitis), and rarely, the lungs and heart can be affected.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Thank you so much xxx