Around 18 months ago, I contracted the Human strain of the parvovirus, generously passed onto me by my son who had Slapped Cheek. In adults, this can cause swelling of the joints. Most cases can take around 2-3 weeks to clear up, unfortunately, in rare cases such as my own, I wasn't so lucky and am still being treated for joint issues, however, symptoms are now under control and I only have minor swelling in my hands.

At my worst, I had symptoms very much related to Arthritis. Most of my joints were in pain from swelling and most days it was very difficult to use my hands efficiently and walking was difficult and painful (stairs being the worst). Running was out of the question. I was referred to the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Rheumatology Department for treatment and for over a year have been treated by them in reducing the symptoms through medication and physio.

With their help I have now got to a position where I am regularly exercising again and doing what I love most which is running. Having these symptoms really gave me an insight as to how people with long term arthritic or other joint issues can suffer daily. There were many days where I struggled with not only work, but with general day to day life, especially when some mornings pain was at its worse.

Running this Marathon is a personal challenge for myself to show how far I have come. As my Treatment and recovery has been helped along by the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Rheumatology Department, I wanted to be able to give something back which is why I chose the Sheffield Hospitals Charity as the recipient of any funds I raise. Any funds can be used to help patients with similar conditions to my own. 

With your support, we help to improve the care of adults, children and babies being treated in all of the hospitals in Sheffield. Your donations fund specialist equipment, pioneering research, patient support services and the transformation of your hospitals into more comfortable, welcoming spaces.

Thank you in advance for any donations you can make. If you would like to make a donation but would prefer the old fashioned way of a sponsorship form, please do let me know and I can put you down.