So grateful to NRAS and Healthunlocked advice and support ...

[sparkle247]

Having been newly diagnosed with several autoimmune disorders towards the end of last year, one of which is RA, it took me months to come to terms with the lifelong sentence chronic illness brings with it. With no real chance of a cure, and many referral appointments and hospital visits later I thought I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, but was frustrated and demotivated by the lack of assistance available to help me move forward in my aim to keep as mobile and relatively pain free as possible.

Since March I have picked myself up, dusted myself off and chosen a new career path, because I was unable to continue my veterinary nursing due to my autoimmune disorders. I also decided I wanted to have an aim, so I entered the 5k Color Run in Sept 2014. By my side will be 18 amazing friends and family who will help me achieve my goal of crossing the finish line.

For some people 5k will not seem so far, but for me, with a daily struggle to walk any major distance with my walking sticks, it will seem like a huge task and I can't tell you how scared I am!! I will only be walking, but I have been training really hard to try to stay as mobile, fit and pain free as possible.

I have decided my chosen charity will be NRAS. In my hours of need they were the one charity that helped me climb my mountain, despite many attempts and many setbacks and falls.

They work tirelessly to bring support and comfort to those facing the rest of their lives with a chronic illness. Whilst at the same time, giving advice and assistance to close family and friends who also feel their loved ones pain, but remain helpless. I joined Healthunlocked too and was overwhelmed by the sense of belonging, warmth and and shared experiences. And I want to thank you all for helping me on my long path towards acceptance of chronic illness.

Thank you

...See you at the top of the mountain! xxx

[allanah]

We'll done and a great charity!!

[hatshepsut]

Well done!!! Hope all goes well with the run. You've already completed an obstacle course!!! M x

[nomoreheels]

It's so refreshing when we have such a positive post so thank you for that! I wish you well for your challenge. Please let us know how it goes next month.

[Hidden]

Best of luck Sparkle 247!

[Ailsa-NRAS Partner NRAS]

Dear Sparkle

I can't tell you how much it means to me and the team at NRAS to read posts like yours which acknowledge what we do. Thank you and enormous good luck with the 5K! Your positive attitude will help you significantly along your journey with this wretched disease. After over 33 years living with it, I'm still smiling and posts like yours always stick a smile on my face

Ailsa

[Hidden]

You're an inspiration...tackling RA head on and refusing to be beaten! Good luck and are we able to sponser you?

[sparkle247]

Awww, bless you all! Thank you so much for your lovely replies! They mean a lot to me, thank you.

I'm not sure I am allowed to put links to other pages ie for my JustGiving sponsor page? But the thought is there and very kind of you Kiki11!

I guess if any body did want got down that route you could send me a private message and I could send you the details? I can receive sponsorship online or via text

Many thanks again everyone for such amazing support!

Much love and hugs xx

[Hidden in reply to sparkle247]

Hi sparkle247, of course you can post your JustGiving link on here! Hopefully you've been in touch with the fundraising team here at NRAS but if not, do email [e-mail] or call 01628 501547 so we can support you with your training and fundraising,

Thank you and best of luck!

Ruth Grosart

NRAS Digital Media Coordinator & HU Admin

[sparkle247 in reply to Hidden]

Oh thank you so much Ruth! I haven't been in touch with the fundraising team as I didn't really think about it!! I am training quite hard, well it is for me, with the help of a fitness instructor, and chiropractor. I now work in my local hospitals physiotherapy department so have quizzed some of the physios for special tips and help!!!

Xx

[Hidden in reply to sparkle247]

Hi sparkle247,

So glad you have some good support from the physios! Do contact the team here when you get time as they'd love to hear from you. Anyone supporting us with an event can have an NRAS running vest or t-shirt. We'd also like to hear how you get on and see some pictures!

Best of luck and hopefully hear from you soon

[Jora]

See my PM. Thank you for sharing your fear, courage and generous response to NRAS. you are an inspiration. Jo

[sparkle247]

Thank you so much Jora. Xxx

[Corsav7]

Well done. I need some of your positivity as newly diagnosed and not coping very well with the life sentence of chronic pain xx

[nomoreheels in reply to Corsav7]

With the right treatment Corsav that pain should ease given a little time to start working. I know it's so hard to think positive before you start on the proper treatment meds but that's not too long a wait now. You've gone through the worst but things can only get better!!

[gwen2013]

i couldn't agree with you more this site and nras or brill, fantastic, super doper, and lots more

[Corsav7]

I've had some lovely support on here and from the NRAS, you've all been great and so supportive, thank you all xx

[sparkle247]

A huge thank you to those that have donated. Once again your support is overwhelming.

I have the go ahead to paste the link to my just giving page if anyone did want to donate, even £1 would be awesome!!

justgiving.com/Julie-Jasper...

You can also text sponsorship money if you prefer, and the details are at the bottom of the page.

Much love and hugs to everyone, you are all amazing.

Thank you again xxx

[Footdoc]

I so agree with you about this site. It has kept me going through some difficult times. Well done for even contemplating the 5K. Can I have what ever it is your taking? If you could sell it I am sure we all would buy it. As I can't I will do the next best thing and support you 110% and a contribution as well. GOOD LUCK.

[sparkle247]

I must be in an emotional mood! Just reading all your replies again and feeling tearful as so supported!

Thank you all xxxxx