In August 2024 I’ll be taking part in a strongman competition, I’d also like to use this as an opportunity to help a brilliant charity along the way.

In 2020 I was dealt a card that changed my life by being diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis(PsA) after having no previous symptoms. This condition causes inflammation and stiffness in my joints and the surrounding structures, something I continue to struggle with along with the mental impact. I could honestly talk for days about what I’ve gone through since my diagnosis from battling to get appointments, trying to get the right medications and then the actual adjustment to living with this condition after being otherwise healthy and active my entire life.

Before my diagnosis I really enjoyed being in the gym and had aspirations to compete in strongman. I decided a little while back now that this wasn’t going to define who I am and so I’ve signed myself up for a local competition with no goal other than to complete the entire thing and show people that no matter what card you’re dealt, you can still do what you want to do.

I already knew about the Psoriasis Association as I’ve had psoriasis since I was 21 but at that time I didn’t even know PsA existed! The work they facilitate and the awareness they bring to help people like myself really isn’t something that should be the responsibility of a charity and they do a fantastic job. I’ve done a little work with them already by sharing my story across their social media and I’d love to be able to help them a little more by raising some money for the cause.

Throughout the next couple of months I’ll be coached by Luke Kennedy of New Level Gym in Sunderland. Thanks for reading 😊