Em & Laura Rundall-Hadley

Friends! A plea for sponsorship!

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the joints and other body tissues - I hadn't realised that it's the second most common form of arthritis in the UK.

It brings a whole plethora of symptoms, from very sore swollen (SWOLLEN) stiff joints, to extreme bone-deep fatigue that isn’t resolved by sleep or rest. Some days I’m not able to walk, dress myself, chew, or sleep without significant pain. On the outside though, I'll look pretty much my usual self. This means that people often don't understand the impact it's having.

When well controlled by medication(s) that suppress the immune system, things can be pretty great! But when not controlled, or when there's a flare (which can last days to weeks), it's really grim, really gruelling, and isolating.

I'm lucky to have my RA *mostly* controlled, but the fatigue is ever present. However, the medication can have some pretty unpleasant side effects (one of mine is also used as a chemo drug), and there is so much research needed to develop meds that aren't so tough on the body.

I’ve been so lucky to be offered a charity place for the London Marathon 2027 by Arthritis UK (formerly Versus Arthritis). I will be running to raise money for Arthritis UK in order to raise awareness, and funds, so that they can continue to support research, as well as people and their families living with RA and other forms of arthritis.

If you have even a couple of quid to spare, please do consider donating - I'd be so grateful ❤️

Laura will also be running and raising money for Arthritis UK - this is a condition that affects partners and families as well as the person with the disease. I'm so lucky to have her by my side (or in this case, miles in front!), and supporting me (and our fur-babies) when the RA gets the better of me.

If you, a family member, or friend, are living with RA, or one of the other many forms of arthritis, you are not alone. Do check out the resources and support available at Arthritis UK: https://www.arthritis-uk.org

Over 10 million people in the UK live with arthritis, affecting their ability to work, study, care for family, move free from pain and live independently. But arthritis is still poorly understood and far too little is done. That’s why Arthritis UK funds life-changing research, supports those affected and campaigns for change. Arthritis UK won’t rest until everyone with arthritis has access to the treatments and support they need to live the life they choose, with real hope of a cure in the future.