For people with inflammatory arthritis, everyday movement can be a struggle as the body’s natural inflammation process goes into overdrive, leaving joints painful and sometimes permanently damaged. Thanks to research funded by Arthritis UK, a breakthrough came in 1999 after the development of biologic therapies, including anti-TNF drugs, which target the disease process itself rather than just masking symptoms. Read how these advancements meant that Josh’s life was transformed - taking him from painful joints to running the London Marathon in 2025.
“Biologic injections gave me my life back.”
At just 14, Josh was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis – a form of arthritis that left him confined to bed and in constant pain. What started as swollen joints was initially dismissed by doctors as something ibuprofen could fix. But the pain persisted, robbing him of his love for cricket and football and the chance to enjoy a typical teenage life.
Eventually, with a formal diagnosis came years of trialling medications until he was prescribed adalimumab injections. This was a turning point.
The injections gave Josh his life back, allowing him to go to university and embrace life virtually pain-free. Thanks to the treatment made possible because of donations, Josh, now 29, is thriving. He regularly plays sport and hits the gym. And, in April 2025, he achieved something remarkable completing the London Marathon alongside his girlfriend, Taylah.
What began as a way to stay active became something deeply meaningful. “Running gave me a way to channel everything I’ve been through into something positive,” Josh says. “We both felt honoured to run on behalf of Versus Arthritis [now Arthritis UK] and hoped that this could give back to all those who have helped support people like me with arthritis.”
Together, Josh and Taylah raised an incredible £5,544 for future arthritis research, support services and campaigns. Their message was clear: arthritis can affect people of any age, but with the right support, anything is possible. “Having Taylah by my side meant a lot – supporting and motivating each other, all while showing others what’s possible and getting our message out there,” Josh added.
Your donation today can help every adult, young person and child like Josh receive the life-changing treatment they need and, make achievements like his possible for people with arthritis.