Case studies

Holly’s story

Born with a brittle bone disease known as osteogenesis imperfecta, Holly Girven often suffered weeks at a time as a toddler with an arm or a leg in plaster.  At the age of three, Holly began taking part in a major clinical trial conducted by arc into a new type of drug.  Since then, Holly has been able to give up her wheelchair for walking sticks and at the age of nine, she now enjoys swimming and going to Brownies with her friends.  Holly and her family have also raised more than £1,500 for arc by taking part in two of our sponsored walks.  As Holly’s mum, Lynne says: “Holly enjoys taking part in arc’s sponsored Noddy Walks – the whole family do.  It’s our way of saying ‘thank you.’  Holly has improved so much since she started on the treatment.  It’s brilliant.”

Anna’s story

Anna Boekweit from Ellesmere Port was just 19 when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.  In the early months the disease took away much of her mobility and she was completely dependent on her family.  “Now I am on regular medication and the condition is under control with occasional flare –ups,” says Anna, now aged 23.  “I never wanted the disease to stop me from doing anything; I have been through university and travelled around the world.  It will never keep me from doing anything.  If anything it makes me more proud of what I do achieve.”  Besides her many other achievements, Anna is a committed fundraiser for arc.  As she says: “One day I hope there will be a cure for arthritis, and who knows – the money I raise could potentially help this to be found.”

Norman’s story

In 1998, and after suffering from arthritis for 12 years, Norman Lane from Gloucestershire underwent a double hip replacement.  The day after his operation it took him 20 minutes to walk to the end of his bed and back.  Such was Norman’s remarkable recovery that three years after his surgery he ran the Majorca Marathon in three hours, 14 minutes.  At the age of 58 this made him the clear winner of the International Over 50 category.  As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Norman raised £10,000 for arc, at the age of 60, by running from John O’ Groats to Land’s End.  That’s 1,000 miles at 30 miles a day – and all with the blessing of his orthopaedic surgeon!