This September, I’m climbing 8 peaks in 8 days across the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Snowdonia to raise money for the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society.

I was diagnosed with axial SpA two and a half years ago - 11 years after my symptoms began.

It started as niggling back pain. I was active - in the gym, playing rugby - so I was told it was tight muscles. Overdoing it. Something that would settle with rest.

Over time, exercise became harder. Work became a struggle. Time with friends and family was cut short by pain.

I was passed from one doctor to the next, and told there was nothing really wrong with my back.

The signs of axial SpA were there from the start: back pain that improves with movement, morning stiffness, and fatigue.

But it still took over a decade to be diagnosed.

That isn’t unusual.

On average, it takes 8 years to be diagnosed with axial SpA.

It affects more people than Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis combined. Yet 9 in 10 people have never heard of it.

That lack of awareness has real consequences.

It’s why people are living in pain for years.

And it’s why organisations like NASS are so important.

The support I’ve had - through physio, hydrotherapy and the camaraderie at NASS’s Euston branch - has helped me get my life back.

NASS plays a huge role in raising awareness and supporting people to live well with this condition. But they rely on fundraising to do it.

That’s why I’m doing this.

Eight peaks. Eight days. Eight years people shouldn’t have to lose.

I would be hugely grateful for any donations.

Just £10 can help connect one person to the NASS Helpline, offering empathy, support and advice when they most need it.