Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am running the St Levan 10k in aid of Arthritis Research UK on 17 August because it is a charity that is close to my heart. My partner has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for the last 10 years; this has caused so many health problems and altered the path his life has taken quite dramatically.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks flexible (synovial) joints. The process involves an inflammatory response of the capsule around the joints secondary to swelling of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development of fibrous tissue in the joint. The pathology of the disease process often leads to the destruction of cartilage and fusion of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, membrane around the heart (pericardium), the membranes of the lung, and white of the eye, and also nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, autoimmunity plays a pivotal role in both its severity and progression. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered a systemic autoimmune disease.

Arthritis Research UK fund world-class research to improve the lives of patients. One of their biggest success stories of the past 20 years has been the development of new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis called anti-TNF therapy, which has revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory arthritis worldwide. My partner has been treated with this drug and found it very effective. Everything they do is underpinned by research, and everything they fund is aimed at improving daily life for sufferers.

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So please dig deep and donate now.