Around 10 years ago my Grandad was diagnosed with arthritis of the hands. Since his diagnosis, the crippling disease has had knock-on effects on his health including Parkinson’s disease and an incredible difficulty to walk and speak.

During the time of watching him suffer, Loughborough University was the place where I felt at home and had the opportunity to develop, grow and challenge myself.

I have decided to run the London Marathon because I want to thank Loughborough for my amazing experience and give something back to the institution that has helped me become the person I am today. I want to bring awareness to the University and highlight the importance of some of the world class research that is happening here.

With your support, researchers at Loughborough will be able to carry out vital studies and investigations into diseases and disorders such as Arthritis, Dementia, concussion, eating disorders and chronic illnesses. The money raised will make a huge difference to those who are suffering now and those who may suffer in the future.

I am honoured to have been chosen as the Loughborough University marathon runner and I am particularly excited to wear my purple vest with pride.

What is very unique about Loughborough is the sense of community that we all share and how we are all part of one Loughborough Family. So, regardless of your nationality or age, whether you studied Art or Engineering, whether you are a Cayley boy or an Elvyn girl, I hope that you can help me, and Loughborough, achieve magnificent things by donating.

Text LUDT99 followed by the amount you wish to donate in £ to 70070 by mobile. Or donate online via JustGiving

Loughborough’s arthritis research

Arthritis affects the lives or more than 1 in 6 people in the UK. Scientists at Loughborough University are pioneering the fight against arthritis, working to take the pain away for people living with all forms of the disease, helping them to remain active, doing the things they love.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and one of the leading causes of pain and disability worldwide. Ten percent of the world’s population aged 60 years and older is estimated to have symptoms of OA, yet no treatment currently exists to prevent its onset, and there is no cure.

People with osteoarthritis (OA) often suffer from muscle weakness around the affected joint, particularly following an injury or bed rest. Very little is known about the reasons why this happens.

Researchers at Loughborough University are using muscle that can be grown in the laboratory to study what causes muscle weakness in people with OA. Ultimately this research could help scientists to understand why people with OA are more prone to muscle weakness/ wasting, which would make it easier to identify ways to both treat and prevent injuries and possible future disability associated with OA.