In the UK around 1 in 50 people have psoriasis and about 1 in 200 will have psoriatic arthritis. Both conditions are long-term and can get worse over time, though treatments can relieve the symptoms and slow down disease progression. Although much is known about psoriatic disease, more research is needed. By supporting PAPAA you can help them in their goal to help people affected by psoriatic disease to have appropriate care to understand the causes and eventually find a cure.

Not many people will know from seeing us as a family that psoriatic arthritis has a huge impact on us, especially Paul. He has lived with the condition for 20 years but was diagnosed 17 years ago, after lots of investigations. He is the strongest, most determined and resilient person I know. We have sadly watched him experience at times, loss of mobility and his ability to perform the most basic movements and everyday tasks, when flare ups have been at their very worst. It’s heartbreaking to watch someone you love in so much pain and experience such levels of limitation in their lives. 

We have been so extremely grateful for the support and medication he receives from his rheumatology team in Brighton, which gives him the treatment he needs to live as well as possible.  Paul takes some heavy-duty medications that work to suppress his immune system, leaving him significantly immuno-compromised and this will be the case for the rest of his life. However, these medications also give him the best possible chance to live a healthy and happy life.  He will never be pain free and it amazes me everyday how he adapts to live alongside these challenges. 

Paul is an inspiration to me and our beautiful boys. Despite the pain, challenges, implications for his body, his resolute determination helps him to power on through! He works as a head chef in an exceptionally busy restaurant, pushing his body physically to manage the demands. Yet none of his work colleagues know about his physical health difficulties. Paul is proud and courageous and doesn’t want others to see him as vulnerable, nor does he want to receive any special treatment. 

Each run I go on, I know I am lucky to to be able to use my body in this way. Paul was a super-fit teenager who outrun our entire school back in the day! He was gifted at sports and running, but sadly he is not able to do this now. The Brighton Marathon was just a few hours for me, whereas Paul does his own Marathon everyday, living with PA. I always try to not take it for granted that my body is able to do what I need it to do, for this I feel lucky and grateful. 

PA is a genetic condition and we know that Rex carries the gene for psoriasis. So far Ozzy seems to have escaped it. 1 in 3 people who have Psoriasis will go to develop PA. More than anything we hope Rex is not part of this statistic. However, if he is, he has the best possible role model and inspiration in his Daddy, who defies the condition daily to achieve and accomplish so much! Any donations are very much gratefully received. Love the Dixons xxx