My JIA Story: How the Gym Helped Me Take Back Control, as Featured by Arthritis UK
Arthritis UK recently shared my story as part of their arthritis stories series. It's the most personal piece I've done with them, covering everything from my diagnosis to why I now coach people with arthritis for a living.
Diagnosed at 11
My arthritis started after a bout of salmonella when I was 11. What was first thought to be a fractured wrist turned out to be reactive arthritis, and when it didn't clear up like it does for most children, it was reclassified as JIA. Those school years were hard. I missed a lot, and I spent a long time believing the pain and unpredictability would never change.
Finding the gym
Everything shifted when I started going to the gym at 18. For the first time in years, I felt in control of my body rather than the other way round. As I got stronger and more mobile, I realised I wanted to help other people with arthritis experience that same feeling, and that's where Versus Limits came from.
Why awareness matters
One thing I spoke about in the piece is how many people still think arthritis only affects older people. It can affect anyone, at any age, and the sooner people get the right support, the less alone they feel.
Where I am now
Since the article, I've kept pushing what I thought was possible, including running a marathon, something 11-year-old me would never have believed. And I now coach people with arthritis and joint conditions to build strength, mobility and confidence, wherever they're starting from.
You can read more about me, or find out how 1-1 online coaching works.
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