London 10k

Alex and Courtney have decided to take on this year's London 10k together in support of the Psoriasis Association.

Alex says 'I have suffered with psoriasis since birth and spent much of my junior years in Great Ormond Street and other hospitals. I have tried all forms of treatment available, from UV treatment to immune-suppressive drugs, and am fortunate to currently have the best level of control I have had in a long time thanks to biologics.'

Charlie is looking forward to stepping out of her comfort zone by taking part in this year's London 10k, and supporting the Psoriasis Association while she's at it.

She says 'I must be nuts! I have next to no long distance running experience!

I signed up for this 10k on a whim as a challenge, I'm really excited about pushing myself out of my comfort zone and raising money for a cause that's close to my heart. Hoping to have some fun on the way :)

If you know me, you're probably aware that I have psoriasis. I've had quite widespread guttate (raindrops) psoriasis for about 17 years now. It's been tough on my self image, but it's also been an inspiration for me to make some massive lifestyle changes and really connect with my health and well being. This run will be a part of that ongoing journey!

I'm proud to be supporting the Psoriasis Association in raising awareness, researching treatments and supporting people with psoriasis. Psoriasis isn't a condition many people recognise on sight or know much about, which means as a sufferer you get a lot of questions. Awareness is so key to people suffering from psoriasis' well being - it isn't nice when a stranger asks you what happened to your legs/face/arms for the fifth time that week, even when they have good intentions!

Any and all sponsorship welcomed and encouraged!'

You can sponsor Charlie here

Hazel's mother has lived with psoriasis all her life, which is why she has decided to join our PsoTeam for the London 10k.

She says 'I am a 42 year old woman who was born in Zimbabwe. My mother had suffered all her life with a rash that would not completely heal. After reading and researching, we finally got a doctor who confirmed the diagnosis - it was psoriasis. I am pleased to say I feel very passionate about the information you provide that helps and teaches more about this illness/condition.

P.S. My mother is more aware of handling it but more can be done, and raising money for the cause is fantastic, and a very good cause.'

Help Hazel support the Psoriasis Association

Janine has been a committed supporter of the Psoriasis Association in recent years, taking on a number of fundraising challenges, including the Cardiff Half Marathon in 2016 and 2017.

This year, we're delighted that she's joined our PsoTeam for the London 10k, where she'll be helping to raise awareness of psoriasis on the streets of the capital.

Janine also kindly shared her story for our 50th Anniversary '50 for 50' project so you can read more about her experiences of psoriasis here. 

Check out Janine's fundraising page

Jennifer is looking forward to giving something back to the psoriasis community which she has drawn support from by running the London 10k in aid of the Psoriasis Association.

She says 'I have had psoriasis almost as long as I can remember; it started when I was an early teen and has been with me for the last fifteen years since then. Like most others, I have been through the swathes of creams, lotions and potions from GPs and dermatologists. Concerned looks and questions from caring family and friends all the way through to disgust from total strangers. For the longest time, and still for many days today, I would go to great lengths to hide away, cover my sore skin under makeup and layers in the height of summer and hide myself. I didn’t feel deserving of the fun in life that other people had; I was visibly damaged and therefore didn’t deserve to take part. This even stopped me doing things I loved like exercising, gym classes and swimming because I was too mortified that this would mean showing off my skin and I couldn’t cope with questions and looks. I am sure many other people can relate to this as daily life of a psoriasis sufferer.

However, one of the most wonderful things to come out of having psoriasis for me has been seeing the positive impact social media can have when it is used correctly. There are so many brave and inspiring people out there who are willing to share their vulnerabilities in the hope that the stigma around this auto-immune condition can be removed. To understand everyone else’s story has shown me that it is so much bigger than any one person’s experience, that psoriasis is not something to be ashamed of and encouraged me to take part and help in any small way that I can. This, along with the fantastic support from the Psoriasis Association, has given me the courage to push myself way outside of my comfort zone, bear all my warrior scars with pride and take part in my first 10k on 21st July to try and give something back to this wonderful community.'

You can add to Jennifer's fundraising total here

Karan has psoriasis himself, but also has several family members who are living with the condition - all of which has inspired him to enter the London 10k in support of the Psoriasis Association.

He says 'My name is Karan (KD) Rai, I am a 25 year old from Herefordshire and I used to suffer from severe psoriasis. Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease which mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells and causes painful red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales on the body.

It is a genetic disease that can be triggered by environmental factors such as stress. Most notably my father is also a severe psoriasis sufferer and I also have many family members on my mother's side of the family who suffer from the condition too.

Psoriasis affects around 2% of people in the UK and can happen to anyone at any age. The condition isn't contagious, so it can't be spread from person to person. Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis.

I really appreciate your time and I would be so grateful if you could donate anything, no matter how big or small it can make a difference. Thank you.'

Help Karan beat his fundraising target

Lisa generously shared her journey with psoriasis for our '50 for 50' project earlier this year. Now, she and her friend Abbey-Gail are also taking part in the London 10k to raise funds and awareness too!

Lisa says 'Hello, my name is Lisa Russon and I am 38 years old. I am a Primary School teacher from Stamford and I have suffered with psoriasis for 34 years! I can remember having patches from 4 years old and over the years it has been a constant emotional battle! I have just finished a year on Ciclosporin and 'boom', it has just totally flared up over my entire body. I want to raise awareness for this disease and raise money for this incredible charity.'

Abbey-Gail says 'My dear friend has psoriasis and I would like to help raise awareness and funds for this disease.'

You can support Lisa and Abbey-Gail here

Louise has joined our PsoTeam to help fund research into psoriasis, inspired by her husband Phil, who is living with the condition.

She says 'My husband has psoriasis and this year has had to change medication as it got so bad. He's had flare ups, been in a lot of pain, and generally miserable because of it. I would like to do something to raise awareness and funds for this disease, as it sucks.'

You can help Louise on her fundraising mission here

After running for us in last year's event, Maggi is back for more in 2019!

She says 'After having psoriasis for a year now, the Psoriasis Association have been a great support and I’m happy to say I am raising money again after raising £250+ last year. People who know me know how I have learnt to love my skin and make the most of who I am. If it wasn’t for charities like this one it would make things a lot harder for a lot of people with this condition. So please help and donate, and one day hopefully find a cure ❤?''

You can support Maggi here

Natasha has had psoriasis for as long as she can remember so she and Peter have decided to take part in this year's London 10k in support of the Psoriasis Association.

She says 'I've grown up with psoriasis for as long as I can remember. NHS doctors have been supportive even when treatments didn't work and my psoriasis had a huge impact on my daily life. But aside from my immediate family I didn't feel like I had any emotional or mental health support. I think what your charity is doing is great, I wish I had known about it years ago, and I would love the opportunity to help other people going through a similar situation.'

Donate to help support Natasha and Peter here

Phil has run for the Psoriasis Association at this event (in its' previous guise as the British 10k) on several occasions in the past, and he's back for more in 2019!

He says 'I have suffered from psoriasis on my hands, feet and scalp for around 12 years now. I understand the physical and emotional effect it has on individuals. I want to help raise funds for the Psoriasis Association to help others suffering from the condition.'

Following the worst flare up of her life last year, Rebecca has decided to represent the Psoriasis Association in this year's London 10k to help raise funds and awareness.

She says 'I have been a psoriasis sufferer for 33 years. Over that time I have sought a cure - and never found one. I hope that raising money can support sufferers and raise awareness about such a visible disease.'

Visit Rebecca's fundraising page here

Rhona is getting ready for the London 10k where she will be supported by her mother, Mary. The duo are hoping to help others who are living with psoriasis by taking part and raising funds and awareness.

Rhona says 'Having suffered for over 16 years and having now finally gotten to a place where my skin is pretty much under control, I want to run to raise awareness and funds to help others suffering with psoriasis.'

Check out Rhona's fundraising page here

You can find Mary's page here

Rob has chosen to run this year's London 10k to raise funds to help support others who are living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. He will be joined on the day by his friend, Tom.

Rob says 'I have suffered with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis for 18 years (since I was 22). The mental and physical toll which this disease takes on a person can be overwhelming. I wish to raise awareness of the condition, and funds to aid future research and support for people who are suffering.'

You can hep Rob add to his fundraising total here

Sara took part in last year's British 10k in glorious sunshine! This year, she's pulling on one of our purple vests once again in order to raise funds and awareness.

Check our Sara's fundraising page here

Vanessa is a long-time supporter of the Psoriasis Association who has volunteered to raise funds and awareness on many an occasion over the years. This July, she's taking on the London 10k alongside her son, Damian.

She says 'I've had psoriasis for 30 years and have, over the years, helped raise money for the Psoriasis Association and spoken at a variety of events to help raise awareness of the disease and how it impacts one's life both physically and emotionally. This year I'm proud to have my 14 year old son, Damian, run with me (for a little bit I hope!). My boys have helped me get through my journey with psoriasis and supported me in so many ways.'

Support Vanessa and Damian here

William has been inspired to take part in this year's London 10k by his auntie, who lived with psoriasis for many years.

He says 'I had an auntie who suffered from a psoriasis skin condition for years and it finally cleared up after visiting a London hospital. I am very much appreciative of the work and research that has been carried out by the Psoriasis Association so I thought I would show my appreciation and give back by taking part in the London 10k and raise funds towards the Psoriasis Association.'