Hall of achievers
Many people support the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) in many different ways.
Please find below a selection of what people have done to raise funds for us and maybe you can pick some ideas that you can do?
Sarah Outen
Sarah Outen (22) was one of 72 fantastic runners who took part in the 2007 Flora London Marathon on Sunday 22nd April to represent the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc). Sarah’s father had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for 20 years before he suddenly passed away in June 2006 aged 53. Having seen the effects of this terrible disease first hand Sarah decided to raises funds for arc in memory of her father.
Completing the London Marathon is only the first of many fundraising activities Sarah plans to take part in. Over the next two years she will complete as many events as possible finishing in 2009 with a solo rowing attempt across the Indian Ocean. If she completes this challenge she will become the first woman and youngest person to make the crossing. Good Luck Sarah!
Find out more about the challenge and sponsor Sarah online at www.sarahouten.co.uk. Sarah is looking for support from both companies and individuals.
Vincent Gray
Vincent Gray is a Sculptor and teaches at Highbury College, Portsmouth. At the beginning of the year Vincent started making plans for a challenge to support the Arthritis Research Campaign and decided on a cycle ride from Land's End to Dover.
"You can follow Vincent's epic journey by reading his online diary!"
His diagnosis of suffering from osteoarthritis spurned him on to raise funds for arc as his career depends on the help and advice he will need to continue to work. His joint pain and swelling mainly affects his hands, a difficult prospect for a sculptor.
"You can Sponsor Vincent online via his Justgiving page!"
Scott Kennedy
In March, Scott Kennedy from Dunbar (pictured) took part in the gruelling week-long Marathon de Sables, a 150-mile race in the Sahara desert in Morocco. Just imagine running a marathon every day deep in sand!
No wonder it's widely regarded as the toughest foot race on the planet. Scott, whose mother has severe rheumatoid arthritis, raised the incredible amount of £2,806 for arc and we are not only very grateful to him but we're totally in awe of his achievement.
Anna Boekweit
At the age of 19 Anna was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which in the early months took away most of her mobility and left her completely dependent on her family. Now 24 Anna is on regular medication and has her condition under control.
Anna never wanted her condition to stop her from doing anything which is why she took on the strenuous challenge of trekking the Inca Trail in May 2007 to raise funds for arc. Anna showed people that while the condition is something that affects your everyday life and activities it is not something that should stop you achieving your life goals and aims!
Holly Girven
Holly was born with the condition Osteogenesis Imperfecta also know as Brittle Bone Disease, now aged 9 Holly is undergoing treatment at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and has improved considerably since she started on an arc-funded clinical trial led by Professor Nick Bishop.
In 2005 and 2006 Holly and her family took part in the Sheffield Noddy Walk and raised a fantastic £1610 for the arc Noddy Appeal. Although her main mode of transport is her wheelchair at the 2006 walk a determined Holly walked the final stretch of the route with her family!
Norman Lane
In 1998, and after suffering from arthritis for 12 years, Norman 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.
Five years on from his operation and at the age of 60 Norman decided to raise funds for arc by taking on the challenge of running from John O’ Groats to Land’s End. Norman completed his task and at the same time raised a magnificent £10,000 for arc.
