2024 TCS London Marathon: Meet the runners powering arthritis breakthroughs

We’re working tirelessly towards a future free from arthritis.  

Right now, we’re the largest dedicated funder of arthritis research in the UK. Our Helpline offer a listening ear when people need it most. And our branches and groups help people cope with their condition, day in and day out.  

But none of this would be possible without the generous support of people like you.  

This year, 134 people have signed up to run the 2024 TCS London Marathon for Versus Arthritis. And with every step they take, they’ll be powering breakthroughs and life-changing support for people living with arthritis.  

Meet just a few of the incredible runners we’ll be cheering on this April.  

Lewis 

People run marathons for many reasons. For some, running a marathon is on their bucket list, for others it’s a way to keep active.

Lewis, 31, has decided to run the marathon for a deeply personal reason: he’s running in memory of his mum Jackie, who lived with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.  

“Sadly, I lost my mum Jackie in November 2022,” he says. “It was really sudden, out of the blue.  

“My mum suffered with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis for a long while. She had Raynaud’s and circulation problems, and she was hard of hearing as well.   

“She was a waitress until the time she passed. She had to carry a lot of things and she was on her feet a lot. 

“I wanted to run in my mum’s memory, and I thought it’d be good for my mental health as well.” 

Joe

We know that there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about arthritis. 

Joe, 26, lives with seronegative inflammatory arthritis and is taking on the 26.2-mile challenge to raise awareness of young people living with the condition.  

“I want to do it for younger people,” he says. “There are 12,000 young people who live with arthritis in the UK, and it isn’t really spoken about.  

“One tends to think of people with arthritis being over 70. I want to flip that and spread the message that young people can be affected.” 

Zoe 

Zoe’s daughter Mali was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) when she was just two years’ old.  

JIA starts before the age of 16 years. It happens when the immune system (which is the body’s natural self-defence system) attacks the body. This causes many symptoms including painful, stiff, and swollen joints. 

“She was limping and not using one of her legs properly,” Zoe explains. “She was off her food, and she was so upset. I could tell something wasn’t right.” 

When you have a child with a long-term condition, we know it can be tough emotionally for the whole family.  

It’s important to take time for self-care and, for Zoe, going for a run has been a great release. 

“Running is the one bit of time I get when I’m not working or not being a mum,” she says. "It has given me time to be on my own and process how I feel.” 

Now, she’s decided to run the London Marathon “to do fun and exciting things for Mali that link with JIA.” 

“She’s so involved, she’s coming along on the day, and she talks about it as her race, too. 

Martha 

When they were children, Martha, 25, and her sister, were both diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.  

She says that “the work of Versus Arthritis has been vital to the management of our conditions.” That’s why, she wants to give something back by running the TCS London Marathon. 

“We have benefited from a whole range of support — everything from pioneering new treatments to simple advice and guidance, all of which has helped us to cope. 

“I know how important the information and support arms of the charity are, especially for those starting new treatments or struggling to understand the ins and outs of their condition.  

Rachael 

32-year-old Rachael was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) when she was a child, and later uveitis (eye inflammation).

When uveitis isn’t controlled, it can cause eye pain, redness and blurry vision. When severe, it can cause permanent blindness. 

“I feel like I'd just accepted the JIA as I’ve never known life without it,” Rachael says. “It was different with the uveitis though. I just remember being really scared. I felt really in the dark about everything when I was younger, but I think that’s probably changed a bit now.” 

Now, she’s running the TCS London Marathon “to prove to myself that I can do it.” 

“I want to do it for 5-year-old Rachael who wanted to do gymnastics and ballet. It’s showing her you can do whatever you want.” 

Robert  

Robert, 57, lives with osteoarthritis. When waiting for a partial knee replacement last year, he discovered our information on conditions, treatments, and managing symptoms. 

“When I had the surgery done, there was so much Versus Arthritis presence in the hospitals,” he says. “I was waiting for my appointment and your pamphlets are on the wall – and that’s how I found out about the charity."  

Megan 

Megan, 23, lives with rheumatoid arthritis and ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon last year.

She absolutely loved it, so much so she’s set herself a new challenge — to run the TCS London Marathon.  

“Running with other people and all the support you get doing it for the same charity was an amazing feeling, such adrenaline,” she explains.  

“I’ve had a lot of support from Versus Arthritis and I want to make people more aware that you can get arthritis at any age, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or how old you are.  

"I want to show people that if you put your mind to something you can do it.” 

Heather 

Heather, 58, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis five years ago after experiencing joint pain in her elbow and hands.  

“I've now been on a drug for three years which keeps my flare-ups to a minimum,” she says. “Whilst I find that keeping moving keeps it under control, I am well aware that [this] is a disease for life.  

“Versus Arthritis is a wonderful community that provides support for people with arthritis across the UK and supports world class research and breakthrough treatments. 

“It made me feel very proud of myself for raising so much for such a worthwhile charity that is very close to my heart.” 

Phyllida  

Phyllida, 60, lives with suspected osteoarthritis in her fingers.  

Her parents sadly passed away over the past few years, including her mum, Evelyn, who lived with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Because Versus Arthritis was a cause that was close to their hearts, Phyllida has decided to run in the TCS London Marathon in their honour. To help hit her fundraising target, she organised a fundraising concert which raised £1,000.

“Mum used to fundraise,” Phyllida recalls. “We would go door to door collecting for a fortnight each year and we used to go carol singing in a few pubs.” 

“With my osteoarthritis, I’ve definitely taken on my mum’s attitude. Life is for living and getting out there. It’s why I’m doing the London Marathon for her.  

“The marathon is unfinished business for me. Having lost both parents in the last couple of years, doing it for Versus Arthritis, which was so important to them both, is very special.”