Jack was initially told he had a viral infection by his doctor but was left in agonising pain from head to toe just a month later
Hannah and Jack(Image: Arthritis UK/ Jack Buckle and Hannah Jones)
An Essex man who went from a ‘ young, active, healthy 23-year-old man to having so much pain he wasn’t even able to get out of bed’ after being diagnosed with a common condition.
Jack Buckle from Canvey Island was enjoying his early twenties when he started to notice some irregular stiffness and pain in his joints. Not thinking much of it, he continued with life as normal until he noticed the pain was getting worse.
Jack was initially told he had a viral infection by his doctor. Only four weeks later he was left in agonising pain from head to toe with little to no movement left in some of his joints. Lost for answers, he sought private medical advice and finally received his diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.
Hannah Jones, Jack’s girlfriend said: “It was such a scary time for us all seeing Jack go from being a young, active, healthy 23-year-old man to having so much pain he wasn’t even able to get out of bed. When Jack became poorly, we didn’t realise what a long battle would lie ahead him, we had to fight to get a diagnosis and then battled for years to get access to the correct medication” explained Hannah.
Psoriatic arthritis currently affects around 200,000 adults in the UK alone but thanks to research funded by Arthritis UK leading to the development of a new class of drugs, known as biologics, Jack was able to access the treatment he needed.
He was prescribed a bi-weekly biologic injection enabling him to live freely of pain with minimal stiffness and flare ups, a life that once felt so far away for Jack.
The development of biologic medication, by the UK’s leading arthritis charity, has transformed the treatment of inflammatory arthritis and improved the lives of almost 2 million people, including Jack, worldwide.
Eleven years on from the start of their relationship Jack and Hannah have taken on many challenges together, including navigating his life changing arthritis diagnosis, becoming new parents and now running a half marathon to complete London Landmarks Half Marathon hand in hand to raise money for the charity, Arthritis UK.
Together they have raised more than £1080 and will be joining team Arthritis UK on Sunday, April 12 to run together through the heart of London, passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
With just a day to go, Jack is in a great place with his condition and is enjoying the impact of his training. He said: “Exercise has had a huge impact on my life, being told the chances of me being physically active again was very unlikely then being bed bound for six months was so tough.
“Progress often felt slow, I remember one point only just being able to move around, having to go down the stairs on my bottom as the pain in the soles of my feet was unbearable. It feels almost unbelievable to say I am training to run a half marathon right now,” said Jack.
Reflecting on the up-and-coming race, Hannah said: “Sharing this journey over the last 11 years with Jack has made me the proudest partner ever. I admire his determination, courage and bravery everyday so it only felt right to run London Landmarks together as a team and raise as much money and awareness as we can for a charity close to our hearts.”
Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Arthritis UK said: “There are currently over 10 million people in the UK living with arthritis – that’s one in six living with the pain, fatigue and disability it can cause.
“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. We know the impact of arthritis can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently.
“Both Hannah and Jack’s determination through the challenges they have faced is incredibly inspirational. I am incredibly grateful to them both for their support for Arthritis UK and I wish you the very best of luck on the day!”
Click here if you would like to donate to Hannah and Jack’s fundraising page.
