“Every Mile is About Raising Awareness”: Jack’s Incredible Running Challenge

Jack with his Daughter

Here at Psoriatic Disease UK, we are constantly inspired by the resilience and determination of our community. Today, we want to introduce you to Jack, an incredible volunteer and fundraiser who is lacing up his running shoes to take on a massive physical challenge in support of our charity.

Jack’s story is a powerful reminder of the unseen daily battles faced by those living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA)—and the extraordinary lengths people will go to reclaim their lives and support others.

The Hidden Reality of Psoriatic Arthritis

For Jack, living with psoriatic arthritis has been an uphill battle. PsA is a complex, chronic condition, and its impact goes far beyond what is visible on the surface. Jack shared with us that the unpredictability of his flare-ups means that on some days, he is left unable to do even basic tasks. The condition has affected every joint in his body, causing extreme pain, swelling, and bent fingers.

However, one of the most difficult aspects of Jack's journey hasn't just been the physical pain, but the isolation that often accompanies a misunderstood disease.

"No one really understands how hard it is to live with, and I would say 99.99 percent of people I have met have never heard of it, which makes you feel extremely lonely." 

At Psoriatic Disease UK, we hear this sentiment all too often. It’s exactly why Jack's mission to raise both funds and awareness is so vital. By speaking out, he is helping to shatter the stigma and loneliness that so many in our community feel.

A New Chapter and a New Motivation

Recently, Jack’s life changed forever when he welcomed his first child. Becoming a father has sparked a fierce determination in him to take control of his health and his future.

Instead of letting his condition dictate his limits, Jack has made a powerful vow: to turn his life around and make the most of the days he can move.

Jack proudly shows off his Psoriatic Disease UK running shirt

The Challenge

To prove this to himself and to raise vital funds for Psoriatic Disease UK, Jack has committed to a gruelling training regimen and a two-part running challenge that would be daunting for anyone, let alone someone battling severe joint pain.

Here is what Jack has lined up:

• The Warm-Up: A rugged 12k trail run through the challenging terrain of the North Yorkshire Moors.

• The Main Event: A full half-marathon at the end of the year.

  
  

Jack isn't taking this lightly. He is entirely overhauling his routine—eating well and training hard to ensure he crosses those finish lines.

"Every mile is about raising awareness, supporting others living with psoriatic disease, and pushing myself further than I thought I could."

How You Can Support Jack

Jack’s journey is a testament to human resilience, and we want to show him that the Psoriatic Disease UK community is right behind him, cheering him on.

He has set up a JustGiving page to collect sponsorships for his runs. Every single donation, big or small, makes a real difference in helping us provide support and raise awareness of psoriatic disease.

Support Jack here 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/jellis626

If you aren't in a position to make a financial donation today, you can still make a massive impact. Please consider sharing this blog post or Jack's fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. As Jack noted, simply spreading the word helps combat the loneliness of this condition by educating the public about what psoriatic arthritis really is.

Good luck, Jack! We are all rooting for you. 💜🧡