My London Marathon for BackCare

Hi, I'm Josey-Jo..

For years I struggled with back and neck pain caused by spondylosis, a form of osteoarthritis, in the top section in my spine. This caused me to have shooting pains down both arms and would often have pins and needles in both hands. A flare up could last between a few days and a few weeks and would make life very difficult and painful.

I began researching ways to help myself and came across the Backcare website where I read lots of self help guides that suggested walking might help and after talking to them for advice I started doing a couple of gentle walks a day. That walking triggered my love of being outdoors and started off my running journey. Now I am running London Marathon in aid of BackCare.

Any donation you can spare to help this cause will be gratefully received and put to good use helping others like me that suffer with back and neck pain

BackCare provides information and education to prevent back injury from occurring in the first place and also assists with research projects trying to identify the reasons for chronic low back pain. BackCare provides practical and emotional support to people living with back pain whether caused through wear and tear, injury, musculoskeletal disorders or other serious underlying health conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, or Cancer, for example.

Further information about BackCare's work can be found at www.backcare.org.uk

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On Saturday I took on the Charnwood Marathon, which is one of the Long Distance Walking Association's (LDWA) Challenge Events. These challenge events are exactly that they are set to challenge people so do not be fooled by the fact these are predominantly walking events that welcomes runners along for the fun.

Knowing the elevation and the terrain I would likely come across on the event this was always going to be about time on feet and doing a little hill training in the process. Finish lines not Finish times were the main focus on this occasion. The event did not disappoint, who knew Leicestershire has its very own version of the Alps.

27.2 Miles, 2800ft of elevation and 8.5hours of beautiful countryside and glorious weather..... Great day out if you ask me :)