Joint Action Update

On 2nd October 2022, nine amazing runners will be taking part in the TCS London Marathon to raise money for Joint Action, the research appeal of the British Orthopaedic Association. They are aiming to raise over £13,000 to support vital research into Trauma and Orthopaedics, transforming lives and giving people back their freedom and independence.

Two of our amazing runners tell us why they are running for Joint Action below. Please support all our runners and help raise vital funds for Joint Action through our Just Giving link www.justgiving.com/campaign/JAlondonmarathon2022, or scan this QR code.

I am an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip and knee replacements. I see the life changing effects of joint disease every day in my patients. Although I like to think that I can improve their quality of life with joint replacement surgery, I would love to see a world where people never reach a stage where this is required. Running in support of Joint Action will help us all reach that goal.

Running is not something that comes naturally to me, so having a target to train for and a cause that’s close to my heart to support helps massively with my motivation.

It’s easier to get out of bed early for a run, or tie on the trainers after a long day at work if you feel that a worthy cause will benefit from it.

A common misconception is that running is bad for your joints and can bring on arthritis. The opposite is true, running can be hugely beneficial for people who have wear and tear arthritis, strengthening muscles and supporting structures around failing joints, helping with weight loss and general cardiovascular fitness. This is advice that I often give to patients so it’s about time I applied it to myself!

Running can be quite a solitary pursuit, and although occasionally that can be helpful in itself (sometimes even meditative) I find that including my wife, children and Roxy my Goldendoodle on my runs can keep me going and give me a lift on slower days.

Please donate and help support Joint Action, and feel free to follow me on Strava to see my progress in the months ahead.

I am acutely aware of the significant impact of musculoskeletal disease and disability on all aspects of life. After all - life is motion; motion is life!

As an orthopaedic surgeon, I strive to improve this very aspect of people’s lives. However, much more can be done and I am lucky to be able to challenge myself at the TCS London Marathon 2022 and at the same time raise money for the BOA Joint Action Research appeal.

As someone who loves the outdoors and is always up for an adventure or physical fitness challenge, it is immensely important for me to help a cause that promotes advances in the understanding and treatment of bone and joint disease. I am grateful to the BOA for providing me this opportunity.

I am sure the BOA members will be generous in supporting the BOA London marathon runners in their mission to raise money for the Joint Action Orthopaedic Research Appeal.