Hi All :)

In September I will be taking on the challenge of completing a 1.5km sea swim in aid of National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS).

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints in your spine. As the inflammation settles, calcium is laid down where the ligaments attach to the vertebrae. This makes your back less flexible. Eventually the individual bones of the spine may link up (fuse). The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can vary, but most people experience back pain and stiffness. The condition can be severe, with around 1 in 10 people at risk of long-term disability.  In the UK, around 200,000 people have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.

Both my mum and younger sister have AS. Swimming is a recommended form of exercise for those with AS. My mother and sister are both keen swimmers so it makes sense for me to take on this challenge for NASS. As you will all know I am a runner so this is a very new challenge for me and I hope not to come last or drown ;)

Thanks for you for the support!

Lucy x