Climbing or scaling a mountain can seem daunting on paper but when you’re surrounded by like-minded people who share the same values, that’s half the battle. No matter your age or nagging self-doubt, anyone can complete the Trek. The opportunity to raise money for a great cause and gain a sense of achievement is definitely a draw to take part in the Trek.
Meet our Fundraisers
There are over 10 million people of all ages living with arthritis. Arthritis Action receives no Government funding, and our aim is to reach as many people with arthritis as possible to help them live a fuller life with less pain.
Thank you to our Fundraisers for their dedication and hard work. We hope you find their stories inspiring. Visit our Fundraising Ideas page for more inspiration on how you can help, or download our Fundraising pack here.
I was honoured to run the Cardiff half marathon in memory of my friend Jonathan, who lived with the chronic pain of arthritis from the age of four. It was especially poignant to video call his mam Margaret as I crossed the finish line to share that moment. I’m really proud to fundraise for Arthritis Action knowing all the support they give to people like Jonathan to manage their arthritis and live as full a live as possible.
Bethan Davies
Lisa ran her first ever half-marathon in her hometown of Derry to help raise money for Arthritis Action in 2019. Lisa’s dad was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis aged 25, cutting short his career as a fireman and forcing him to retire at 36. She chose to run for us to help raise money in support of other families affected by the condition.
Lisa and her partner are replacing favours during their upcoming wedding with a donation to charity. The whole team at Arthritis Action wishes them all the best on their special day, and a huge thank you for their ongoing support!
Lisa - Derry Half-Marathon
Ryan - Mount Snowdon Trek
Arthritis Action staff took part in the 2.6 Challenge, a fundraising campaign introduced in March 2020 in lieu of the London Marathon, which was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more about the team’s efforts.
The 2.6 Challenge
Arthritis Action’s self-management approach has really pushed me to stay active since being diagnosed back in 1993. I’ve now been setting myself a running challenge of some form or another for the past 28 years, to make sure I stay active and have a goal to work towards.
I set myself the goal of running 6k every day for a month in the lead-up to my 66th birthday, to help raise money for Arthritis Action. The charity offers wonderful resources, with information about my condition and things I could do myself to help reduce the pain I was feeling. I only wish I had been aware of the charity earlier!
Sue - 6k A Day For a Month
Arthritis is a condition that is very close to me and my family as it was something my granddad suffered with. I watched him slowly lose his independence and his passion for golf due to the condition. It became increasingly difficult watching what arthritis did to him, seeing his mobility and dexterity with his hands really go downhill.
My granddad was from Scotland and spent a lot of his life living in Edinburgh. I’ve always wanted to do a marathon, so having it in Edinburgh and in my granddad’s memory just seemed like the best next step.
Calum - Edinburgh Marathon
I am walking the three peaks for the first time since being diagnosed with arthritis in my knees. As I have discovered, arthritis is extremely painful. Once I started sharing my experience with others, I understood how it debilitates people’s lives and how personally it strikes. I really want to remain active even with this disease.
Arthritis Action is at the forefront of fundraising, awareness and arthritis support. I know if hard earned money is raised, then it will be well invested.
Andrew - Three Peaks Challenge, Yorkshire
I believe arthritis is very underrepresented, yet affects people in every aspect of their daily life. My step father-in-law has quite severe arthritis, yet pulls through and still takes himself off to work every single day by managing his symptoms. I’ve chosen to run for Arthritis Action, a charity that promotes self-management techniques, and educates people on how to look after themselves.
Arthritis affects over 10 million people in the UK, so supporting the Charity can help a lot of people.
Chris - Brighton Marathon
As this might be my only marathon, I’d like to raise money for a charity. Having a mother who has increasing issues with arthritis pain, I looked into charities supporting arthritis. I also want a charity that was cruelty free so I did my research and found Arthritis Action. Not only are they cruelty free, they also help people to live an active life and that’s what I want for my mum.
Once she was diagnosed, she was given immediate care and she now has it under control. She still has days when she suffers a lot of pain and struggles to do the simplest tasks, but she’s brave and strong and she’s my mum that’s why I want to do anything I can to support her. That’s why I chose Arthritis Action!
Jade - Manchester Marathon
I ran in memory of my mum Hazel Underwood, who suffered with osteoarthritis from her 50s. I saw how much it affected her life.
Now I’m in my early 60s and having discovered a love for running last year, I thought I would challenge myself and raise some money for Arthritis Action. Arthritis Action provide both physical and mental support with their self-help fact sheets, videos and events.
Sandra - Edinburgh Marathon
It seemed very apt for me personally to run the London Marathon in aid of Arthritis Action. Arthritis isn’t as “glamorous” perhaps as some other causes, and I mean no disrespect by that, but it has a big impact on people’s lives across any age range.
I’m pleased to have raised over £2,000 to help Arthritis Action support more people with arthritis across the nation. Being educated on arthritis was critical to improving my condition. This type of education and support is what they focus on – teaching people with arthritis how to manage pain and live fuller lives.
Thomas - London Marathon