Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I was diagnosed with JIA (Juvenile Arthritis) at the age of 18 months, after I suddenly stopped walking. Unfortunately I have suffered with the disease on and off throughout my 30 years, and whilst medicines and treatments have developed and improved dramatically in my lifetime, donations are needed to help raise awareness, develop treatments and provide support to those who need it. 

Millions of people wake up with Arthritis every morning and face the day in pain, without the support and recognition they deserve. Arthritis stops people from living their lives to the full, and the disease, although associated with the elder generation, can strike at any age. 

Autoimmune Arthritis, in short causes the immune system to attack itself. I have had periods, years of remission where the disease doesn't affect me at all, but when experiencing a flare, which for me has come from periods of stress or hormone changes (exams, moving house, giving birth) I wake up every morning and find I cannot move! Trying to do simple, mundane things is very painful, and my range of movement is extremely limited. Arthritis doesn't only affect your joints, but it can also cause heart and lung problems if left untreated. 

To raise money, myself and some close friends and family are going to walk the 14.5 mile route from Taunton to Bridgwater via the canal. Three months ago this would have been unthinkable, but thanks to the NHS and the care I have received, I now am symptom and pain free. I would love to raise awareness and try and give something back. 

Please sponsor me so that together we can help those affected to overcome the pain, isolation and fatigue of arthritis. I think the technique my parents used when I was little of trying to bribe me to walk with chocolate buttons, might come in handy!!