Hello and welcome to our JustGiving page!

We are excited to share with you that we (Martin, Laura, Natasha and Rick) are running the Reading Half Marathon on 14th April 2024. We're doing this to support Versus Arthritis, a charity that fights for people with arthritis.

Arthritis is a condition that affects millions of people in the UK and around the world. It can cause pain, stiffness, fatigue and disability. It can also make people feel isolated and misunderstood. Arthritis doesn't just affect older people, it can affect anyone at any age, even children.

That's why we're running for Mali, the daughter of our friends Zoe and Eddy and big sister to Leo. Mali has JIA (Juvenile idiopathic arthritis), which means she has to deal with the challenges of arthritis every day. She's a brave and cheerful girl who inspires us with her positive attitude. Zoe is running the London Marathon in 2024, to honour all the parents and carers who support children with arthritis. They're an amazing family and we want to show them our love and support.

Zoe is running to raise awareness of JIA and the Mums, Dads and caregivers who are supporting young children with arthritis. The responsibility to be their voice, make the right decisions, keep a check on their mental health, juggle appointments, sort medication, reassure, combat fears, hold them as they have a general anesthetic, and put a brave face on. The true heroes are the children who deal with JIA and everything that comes with it.

Versus Arthritis is a charity that works to improve the lives of people with arthritis. They fund research, provide information and advice, and campaign for better care and services. They also offer support groups, online communities and helplines for people who need someone to talk to.

We're asking you to please sponsor us and help us reach our fundraising goal. Every donation counts and will make a difference for people with arthritis.

Thank you so much for your generosity and encouragement. We really appreciate it and we'll do our best to make you proud on 14th April!

If you would like to learn more about Zoe's fundraising or want to make an additional donation click here