My Journey from Limited Mobility to Outward Bound

A little over 4 years ago out of nowhere I developed an Autoimmune disease called Rheumatoid Arthritis. For me RA was super aggressive and within months I had to stop working, move house and needed support to do even the most simplest of day to day tasks.

If you would like to know more about RA click here - https://www.arthritis.org.nz/information/forms-of-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis/

After getting the diagnosis I spent years taking 1000s and 1000s of pills and trialing many different treatments. I spent a few years injecting myself weekly with drugs that were supposed to be wonder drugs. Unfortunately for me none of these treatments managed the condition as we had hoped.

Fortunately for me as of January 2018 I was able to stop all the extra drugs and am able to rely solely on a biologic treatment called Tocilizumab.

Those who know me personally know that spending a few years unable to walk more than a few metres really got me down, I used to say that I would feel happy if I could just ride a bike or jump on a trampoline. And guess what February 10th 2018 on my wedding anniversary this is exactly what I did.

But why stop there right? If there is one thing I have learnt it is that I cannot take my mobility, even if limited for granted. And that is how I got here. I know my body will find it extremely hard to participate in Outward Bound BUT I also know that it is possible to do it. So this is for me and for all those who have struggled so far and those who will struggle to come. I want to do this while I still can.

If in anyway you can help support me to get to Aspire in September this year I would greatly appreciate it.

If you would like to know more about the course it self have a read here. https://www.outwardbound.co.nz/courses/aspire/

And lastly a massive thank you to everyone who is helping me achieve this goal!!