Why I’m running the 2023 TCS London Marathon for Versus Arthritis  

As the largest annual fundraising event on the planet, the TCS London Marathon is a race like no other. 

Just imagine the thrill of running 26.2 miles through the capital, hearing thousands of people cheering your name, all while raising money for a cause close to your heart. It's no wonder so many people want to take part!  

This year, 101 incredible runners will lace up their trainers and take on the iconic challenge for Versus Arthritis – and we’ll be there to cheer them on every step of the way.  

Every penny they raised makes a real difference to people with arthritis, allowing us to invest in world-class research, deliver life-changing services and campaign on the issues that matter most.  

So, to say a big thank you, we wanted to share just a handful of stories from our phenomenal team of runners. 

Meet the runners

Anish

Anish has always wanted to run the TCS London Marathon. So when he secured a spot, he knew he wanted to do it for his best friend James, 28, who has ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. He says: 

“Arthritis is something a lot of people naturally associate with older people. When James got diagnosed, it was shocking to see the impact that it had on his life. It was really tough to see. 

“He’s always the first person on the other side of the phone if I ever need anything or when normal life stresses hit.  

“James is always there to reminisce about the old times. He resets me. We’re each other’s number one fan.” 

Louise

Arthritis can affect anyone at any age – and Louise knows this firsthand. That’s because her niece, Felicity, was diagnosed at just two years old.  

For this reason, she wants to take on this mammoth challenge to raise awareness of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. She says: 

“I’m running for my incredible 8-year-old niece Felicity. She was first diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) when she was just 2 years old after experiencing pain and developing a limp.  

“I would run 100 miles to prove to this little girl how awesome she is, and how proud I am of how she deals with it all, but luckily, I only have to do 26 - so let's do this!” 

Lally

Lally's husband, who has psoriatic arthritis, lives an active life thanks to his treatments. So when Lally secured a ballot place at the London Marathon, she chose to raise money to support our life-changing research. She says:

“I have enjoyed doing my small bit for a very important charity.

"My husband was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in his teens. I have seen how the disease affects him every day, and also how treatments have enabled him to live an active life.

"Continuing research into, and funding of, treatments is vital to keeping people with arthritis moving.” 

Bryan

Diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his wrist and ankle, Bryan says that the past few years have been a “mental battle as well as a physical one” since leaving the Royal Marines.

But, like many others, he’s now channelling his energy into training for the London Marathon to support others. He says: 

“I am running the London marathon to raise money and, more importantly, awareness of the charity and arthritis. I don’t believe many people are aware of the many different types, and that it can affect people of any age. 

“Fundraising for Versus Arthritis has given me the motivation to get back out and push myself. Some days it hurts, but having the goal of crossing the finish line on the 23rd of April has given me the mental push to work hard and understand better how to deal with my pains.” 

Sarah

Physiotherapist Sarah has seen first-hand how pain and fatigue affects people with arthritis. Through her research, at Versus Arthritis Primary Care Research Centre based at Keele University, she hopes to make a real difference to people’s lives. And now she’s going one step further by running the iconic London Marathon. She says:

“I work as a physiotherapist in the NHS and as a health care researcher. For most of my career, I have worked with people who regularly experience severe, disabling and distressing long-lasting pain caused by conditions like arthritis.

"My research at one of Versus Arthritis’ Centres of Excellence at Keele University focuses on improving care for people like those who live with arthritis and long-lasting pain.   

"Versus Arthritis is at the forefront of re-thinking how we support people living with the pain, fatigue and isolation that arthritis causes in the UK. Not only does Versus Arthritis directly support people living with arthritis and pain, their families and those they connect, they also provide vital support to health professionals and researchers like me.” 

Toni

After a long wait, Toni finally got the answers she needed and received an arthritis diagnosis. Since then, she’s had joint replacement surgery and feels “the best I’ve been in years”.  

Determined to live her life to the full, she’s now taking on this phenomenal challenge for Versus Arthritis. She says: 

“My journey began back in November 2018 when my jaw problems started: clicking, locking and pain.

"Over the course of the next year my symptoms worsened, despite researching and trying every treatment I could find. During a consultation in October 2020, I received a diagnosis: arthritis. 

“I want to share my story, give others hope and give back to the amazing charity Versus Arthritis who provide such fantastic help and support to people like me. 

“I will always have arthritis; it will never go away. But I'm determined to live life to the full, enjoy running and smash the London Marathon in April 2023!” 

Andrew

Andrew is taking on the incredible 26.2-mile race to shine a spotlight on the challenges his family faces. He says: 

“I am fundraising in support of my father, my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law. 

“At every event I have been to so far, people are always intrigued to know about Versus Arthritis and the work they do.

"I have been taking great pride in detailing the work they do and how I am supporting.”