As a lot of people know, I’ve struggled with horrific back / leg pain for many years which can result to being completely bed bound at times.
I won’t even go into the ridiculous lack of sleep that comes with it.
After a lot of doctors visits, hospital visits and tests, I was diagnosed with Axial Spondyloarthritis (Axial SpA).
It’s a painful, progressive form of inflammatory arthritis. It mainly affects the spine but can also affect other joints, tendons and ligaments.
1 in 200 of the adult population in the UK have axial SpA (AS). That's twice as many as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Yet not many people know about it?
Axial SpA (AS) is a condition that affects young people. Symptoms start late teens to early twenties, with the average age of onset being 24.
The current average delay to diagnosis from when symptoms start is 8.5 years, by which irreversible damage to the spine may have occurred. I have been ridiculously lucky to have received my diagnosis after 5/6 years. However, a recent MRI showed my spine has started to fuse, but luckily for me, it could have been a lot worse.
I only got my diagnosis by pushing the doctors myself and doing my own research.

With the right medication, diet, physio and doing lots of daily exercise and stretches, I’m hoping it can be manageable, even if I have a long journey ahead.

There is only ONE charity that supports people with Axial SpA. NASS.
NASS is the only charity in the UK dedicated to transforming axial SpA (AS) care in the UK.
Their vision is to ensure that every person with Axial SpA (AS) receives timely diagnosis and effective treatment and care.
They are working hard to dramatically increase public awareness of axial SpA (AS) going forward.

If you have read to here, then thank you.

On June 4th, I will be walking Snowdon to raise money for NASS with some friends, family, and of course, Nova. This will not be easy for me and I will certainly feel it in the days that follow. 

I thought there was no better way to get my story out there than something positive like raising money and awareness for NASS.
From the bottom of my heart, it would mean the absolute world to me if people could donate to NASS by sponsoring me to do this. Since I was diagnosed, NASS have been nothing but a huge help.

Thank you in advance!