Couple run Royal Parks Half Marathon after arthritis diagnosis
8 October 2026
Couple to run 13.1 miles through the capital to raise awareness almost 10 years after arthritis diagnosis
Ashley Simons, 29, from Nottingham, and Caitlin Duncombe, 26, from Australia living in Ealing, are taking on the 13.1 mile 2026 Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon this Sunday hand in hand to raise money for Arthritis UK.
At 17, Caitlin was studying for her final year of school while preparing for a music school audition, having played the violin for more than 10 years. She began experiencing severe pain and limited strength in her wrists. Despite cortisone injections allowing her to continue playing, her pain began to affect her ability.
After months of tests and appointments, Caitlin was eventually diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Almost 10 years on, she continues to live with daily pain.
Caitlin told Arthritis UK: “Chronic pain is still a big part of my life; at this point I don’t think I truly know what life without pain looks like. I've become very good at adapting and getting on with things, so I don't think people always realise when I'm struggling."
There are days when my body simply can't do anything I want it to
“For me it’s the people who have supported me without ever making me feel defined by my arthritis is what gets me through.”
Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 450,000 adults in the UK, with an estimated 27,000 new diagnoses each year. The condition is seen to be 2 to 3 times more common in women than men with most being diagnosed between age 46 and 70.
Caitlin and Ashley, who met while Caitlin was completing her master’s degree in Leeds, are fundraising to support Arthritis UK and its work improving the lives of people living with arthritis.
As the UK’s leading dedicated charity funder of arthritis research, Arthritis UK has supported breakthroughs that have helped reduce chronic pain and enable people with rheumatoid arthritis, like Caitlin, to regain their independence. Her partner Ashley states:
“I am extremely proud of Caitlin. What started as an idea to run on my birthday for a charity close to our hearts has become a reality. When we first started training, even 3K was a struggle due to Caitlin’s pain, and we wondered if signing up for a half marathon was a huge mistake.
Now, after hours of training, we’re running 15K and 18K together. Watching Caitlin’s confidence grow has shown me just how inspirational, determined and strong she is. She won’t let anything slow her down, and I know she’ll be ready when the big day arrives.”
This Sunday the pair will run through the capitals iconic Royal Parks, having raised almost £900 together for Arthritis UK.
Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Arthritis UK said:
“There are currently over 10 million people in the UK living with arthritis - that’s one in six living with the pain, fatigue and disability it can cause.
The Royal Parks Half marathon is an exciting event and every year I am in awe of the dedication and commitment from the hours of training and fundraising efforts form everyone involved.
We know the impact of arthritis can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently.
Both Caitlin and Ashley’ determination through the challenges they have faced is incredibly inspirational.
I am incredibly grateful to them both for their support for Arthritis UK and I wish you the very best of luck on Sunday!”
About Arthritis UK
Arthritis UK is the leading arthritis charity, changing lives through research, campaigning and support.
Over 10 million adults, young people and children in the UK live with arthritis. That’s one in six of us living with the pain, fatigue, disability, mental and financial strain it can cause. Many more live with arthritis but remain undiagnosed, untreated and unsupported.
We know the impact of arthritis can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently. Yet for a condition affecting so many, it’s poorly understood and far too little is done. That’s why we invest in life-changing research into better treatments, support people through the daily challenges of life with arthritis, and campaign on the issues that matter most to people living with it.
At Arthritis UK, we won’t rest until everyone with arthritis has access to treatments and support they need to live the life they choose, with real hope for a cure in the future. Find out more at: www.arthritis-uk.org
Arthritis UK. For a future free from arthritis.