Aberdeen woman battling severe arthritis to run London Marathon

An Aberdeen woman is taking on the London Marathon after she was diagnosed with arthritis which left her barely able to walk.

Rebecca North, 29, chose to take the challenge on after she was diagnosed with a type of arthritis less than two years ago.

Rebecca, who is originally from Essex, was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at the age of 27, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in and around the joints and affects people who have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes a red, scaly rash across the body.

The condition can affect all aspects of everyday life, from getting out of bed in the morning to simply being able to make a cup of tea or drive to work.

Before her diagnosis, in May 2016, Rebecca had been a keen runner and often took part in 5 and 10km races.

Reflecting on the months leading up to her diagnosis, Rebecca explains: “I started experiencing pain in my left foot, which my GP thought was the result of a stress fracture. Unfortunately, the pain got worse and I couldn’t drive or put any weight on the left side of my body. The pain quickly spread to my knees and ankles, and I struggled to get out of bed, as I could barely move my legs.”

Within ten weeks of experiencing these symptoms, Rebecca, who works as a Cost Engineer, was signed-off work as the pain was so severe.

She adds: “I was too weak to do anything, let alone hold a pen or shake people’s hands. I felt absolutely devastated – my whole life had been flipped upside down.

“Doctors told me that I would need a walking stick and long-term, possibly a wheelchair. It wasn’t ideal to be off work, but it gave me the time to come to terms with what had happened and to explore the treatments available to me.”

In October last year, Rebecca was advised to take a drug called Cosentyx, which she says, “gave her a second shot at life.” The medication provided instant pain relief and changed her life for the better.

Rebecca adds: “In just a few weeks my mobility was almost back to normal. I could hold a pen again without crying out in pain and I started to run again.”

Rebecca is now looking ahead to next week’s marathon and says: “I have always wanted to complete the London Marathon and now I am more determined than ever to do so.

I want to raise awareness of arthritis, and that people, even as young as myself, can be affected by it. I also want people to know that life goes on and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Rebecca, who will turn 30 in July, adds: “This is my only chance of achieving my lifelong dream of running a marathon before I am 30. It won’t be fast. It’s going to be modest compared to what my old body could have achieved, but for someone who was told she might not walk unaided again, just completing the course will be incredible.”

Louise Skinner, Head of Mass Market Fundraising at Arthritis Research UK, says: “We are delighted that Rebecca has chosen to support us at this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon.

We applaud her for wanting to live a full and active life and but also for recognising the importance of protecting her joints and going at a slower pace if needed.

“On behalf of everyone at Arthritis Research UK, I would like to wish Rebecca the very best of luck and I look forward to congratulating her at the finish line.”