Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. My name is Sophie and my dad is John. I'm running the London Marathon for him. He has suffered for many years with several forms of Arthritis, I've included some of his story below. 

My dad was always a healthy, athletic sportsman, and has had to change his lifestyle to someone who lives within the limitations of this disease. The condition and symptoms have become progressively worse, so life now revolves around dealing with this illness and making the most of every day despite the pain, new prognoses, hospital appointments and ever changing drugs. 

This all consuming journey began in his 30s when he had was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his knees. He required a double knee replacement due to the wear and tear on his cartilage and joints. 

A turning point in his life was a traumatic incident at work, where he was restraining an individual and in the aftermath of this altercation, his body’s response has manifested in psoriatic arthritis. Since the discovery of this disease and as a response to the pain in his feet, he has had all his toes broken, pinned and reshaped, as well as the pain nerve to his right hand severed. 

There is no cure for his arthritis. This is a progressive disease which requires intense drug therapy to slow down the incremental damage. My dad lives in constant pain and in a fluctuating stage of inflammation which is debilitating not only in itself, but also as a result of the side effects of the drugs he is taking. The drugs which help to curb this disease are anti-cancer medications which prevent the body absorbing proteins. This has resulted in extensive weight loss, amongst other issues. 

Whilst this summary is not intended to be a sob story or for pity, I hope to raise some awareness of this debilitating disease. Any donations would be hugely appreciated.