Harvey Graham

In April 2027, I'll be running the London Marathon for Arthritis UK, a challenge and cause that means a great deal to me. 

In January 2023, I developed reactive arthritis completely unexpectedly while living in France. Within a matter of days, I went from being fit, healthy and active to virtually bed-bound, unable to walk because of the pain in my knees, ankles, hips and toes. 

Like many people, I believed arthritis was something that only affected older people. I had never even heard of reactive arthritis, and the uncertainty surrounding my diagnosis made an already difficult time even harder. Recovery was long and painful, and I still live with the effects today. At one stage, I was told there was no guarantee I would ever regain full mobility or return to sport. 

During that time, I made a promise to myself that if I ever recovered, I would run a marathon in aid of Arthritis UK (despite having only run a 5K once in my life). 

My condition still makes running challenging, and injuries are all too common, so I can't promise an impressive finish time. But after spending more than a year unable to walk without pain, simply being in a position to stand on the start line feels like a victory. 

Completing the London Marathon will be a huge personal milestone, but it's also an opportunity to raise awareness that arthritis doesn't just affect older people. Thousands of young people live with arthritis and related conditions, yet they're often overlooked or misdiagnosed. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help challenge those misconceptions while raising funds for Arthritis UK. 

If you're able to support my fundraising, I'd be hugely grateful. Every donation, no matter the size, will help fund vital research, support and services for people living with arthritis. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for your support.