Myfanwy Thomas, a 45-year-old resident of Cardiff, is preparing to run the London Marathon this weekend to raise funds for Arthritis UK. She has lived with arthritis for more than four decades.
Early Diagnosis and Challenges
At just two years old, Myfanwy's parents noticed that the joints in her hands were often hot and stiff, causing her discomfort and distress. After medical tests and scans, she was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). By age six, her condition worsened, spreading to her knees and other joints. Fortunately, her symptoms remained manageable until an accident at age 17 caused them to rapidly deteriorate, leading to a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.
"The swelling, stiffness and pain in my joints was horrific, everything became a struggle. Just getting up in the morning was difficult enough. When you can't bend your knees or grip with your hands, it's amazing how many everyday tasks become hard to do," Myfanwy recalled.
Impact of Anti-TNF Medication
Psoriatic arthritis currently affects around 200,000 adults in the UK alone. Like many others, Myfanwy was eventually prescribed anti-TNF medication to manage her condition. Ground-breaking research funded by Arthritis UK led to the development of this new class of drugs, which have transformed the treatment of inflammatory arthritis and improved the lives of almost two million people worldwide, including Myfanwy.
"This felt like a turning point, it changed my life. I can only describe it as like a switch, suddenly I wasn't in pain or stiff anymore. The constant ache had gone and I had the realisation; this is what it feels like to be me again. A few years later it was thanks to this medication that I was able to get almost all aspects of my life back!" Myfanwy explained.
Rediscovering Running
Around a year after having her third child, a friend invited Myfanwy to join a weekly run. She initially declined, worrying about the impact of high-impact exercise on her joints. However, her friend persisted, and Myfanwy eventually gave in and has never looked back.
In 2018, while preparing for her first marathon, Myfanwy fell ill after a weekend away. Within days, she was admitted to the hospital with life-threatening sepsis. Through sheer strength and determination, she managed to cross the finish line of the London Marathon just three weeks later.
Now, eight years and hundreds of miles later, Myfanwy remains a keen runner. Thanks to her treatment and a rediscovered love for the sport, she is ready to join Team Arthritis UK to give back to the charity that helped her reclaim her life.
Fundraising and Support
Speaking on running in aid of Arthritis UK, Myfanwy said: "Nine marathons and eight ultra marathons later and I'm still going. I never imagined I could ever be a runner, let alone a multi marathon and ultra marathon finisher. Without medical advancements in arthritis treatment over the last few decades, I would not be walking, let alone running. The type of medication I am on was discovered by Arthritis UK during my childhood and approved for first use in 1999 - 17 years after my initial diagnosis. I would never be where I am, or who I am without it."
With the support of her friends, family, and the running community, Myfanwy has raised more than £2,470 for Arthritis UK while documenting her journey for more than 3,000 followers on Instagram (@run_myf_run).
Charity's Response
Deborah Alsina MBE, chief executive of Arthritis UK, added: "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. London Marathon is such an exciting event and every year I am in awe of the dedication and commitment from the hours of training and fundraising efforts from 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. Myfanwy's determination through the challenges she has faced is incredibly inspiring. I am incredibly grateful to Myfanwy for her support to Arthritis UK and I am excited to be cheering you along on the day!"
Support Myfanwy's journey by visiting her fundraising page for Arthritis UK.
