A DETERMINED Rugby teenager who was diagnosed with arthritis diagnosis at a young age is taking on a half marathon in a wheelchair to raise money for the charity which changed his life.
Alex Ingram-Martin, 19, is taking on the iconic London Landmarks Half Marathon in aid of charity Arthritis UK.
Alex was diagnosed with arthritis around his third birthday, having experienced unexplained night-time fevers and rashes which left doctors struggling to find answers.
His condition worsened until he could no longer pull himself up or hold his head up.
After researching arthritis in young children, Alex’s mum Lynda pushed for a rheumatology referral.
She said: “I remember we had to wait quite a few months for the appointment, but at that time Alex was admitted to hospital because of the muscle wastage leaving him not able to stand up or walk alone.
“He couldn’t eat or drink because of his neck, and his head was quite crunched down, leaving him in an awful lot of pain when he was just so young.”
Alex was later diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a condition that affects an estimated 10,000 under-16s in the UK.
Thanks to research funded by Arthritis UK, a new class of drugs known as biologics has transformed the treatment of inflammatory arthritis – meaning Alex doesn’t have to live his life in pain.
After receiving the medication, Alex wanted to know more about it, and was given booklets by Arthritis UK that inspired him to find out more about the UK’s largest arthritis charity.
He said: “When I was put on my new medication, I ended up looking into what the charity was doing and I was inspired by the difference it was making.
“I remember seeing articles about the charity’s work and most of the doctors mentioned were ones that I had been seeing.
“It really motivated me to give back to the charity that was tirelessly working to make a difference to people like me.”
Last October, Alex underwent his biggest surgery yet – an ankle fusion operation.
But despite this and all the challenges arthritis has thrown his way, Alex is more determined than ever and will be taking part in the race through London on Sunday (April 12) in his wheelchair alongside his mum.
Lynda added: “I am incredibly proud of him every day because he just takes it in his stride.
“Seeing Alex’s determination to give back – and courage to show other younger children that have just been diagnosed that it doesn’t stop you from being who you want to be – is extremely admirable.”
Alex has so far raised over £2,460 though his fundraising efforts for Arthritis UK.
Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Arthritis UK, said: “Alex and Lynda’s determination through the challenges they have faced is incredibly inspirational.
“London Landmarks 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.
“I am incredibly grateful to them both for their support for Arthritis UK, and I wish them the very best of luck on the day.”
