NASS (National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society) supports research into a painful and debilitating disease that most people have only heard of if they are unlucky enough to suffer from it, or know someone who does.

When my wife was 9 her father was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), an inflammatory arthritis affecting all joints but particularly the spine which can fuse and curve. He spent years in chronic pain and, in those days, very little was known about the condition. By odd coincidence, my business partner also suffers from AS and was diagnosed in his 30s; although so much more is known about how to manage the condition, it’s incurable and can cause long spells of extreme pain.

So, I am running for NASS, the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people with AS. NASS doesn’t receive any statutory funding, relying on donations to help in their goal to transform the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with the condition, and to do this as soon as possible because early detection ensures access to the right care sooner; this can be life-changing.

Any amount you can give would be so hugely appreciated and will spur me on to eat the pain!!