I was finally clinically diagnosed with AS in January of this year but have been suffering with the condition since Easter 2012. At that time I went two months without being able to walk unaided and had no idea what the condition was.

AS is a rare condition which causes fusing of the spine and inflammatory pain in joints. Many days can be managed through medication and tolerance of uncomfortable stiffness and fatigue. However, flare ups cause severe pain and stiffness to the point where walking between rooms can be unmanageable as inflammation occurs. This subsides but new bone grows in place fusing vertebrae together and therefore flexibility after each flare up is more limited than before it each time

I've since had to stop playing any sort of physical sport and haven't kicked a football in over a year but I have set myself the challenge of running the Great North Run to raise awareness of the condition and to raise money for the excellent charity which puts money into research and treatments for AS.

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.