Connect with others In this section you can find stories shared by the NRAS Community. Search for stories relevant to you, and other ways you can join the community. JoinTogether online groups The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for many RA patients to be able to find new ways to connect with others like themselves. For many people attending a regional group in person may not work for them and through these new digital groups you can connect with others with similar interests and lifestyle choices. All groups are run by NRAS Volunteers. Find out more Find a local group Many people find meeting others living with RA from their own localities to be of great benefit. There are many groups spread across UK offering a great source of RA information and support. All groups are run by NRAS Volunteers. Find out which one is nearest to you. Read more Check our upcoming events Stay up to date with all of our upcoming events. Whether it be online group meetings, local coffee meet ups, our monthly NRAS Lives or even challenge events such as marathons or cycles – these are a great way to get involved and meet others living with RA! Find out more Connect online Facebook Join the NRAS Facebook Community. Twitter Follow @NRAS_UK to stay in the loop about all things RA! YouTube Subscribe to our channel and never miss a video from us. We have over 150 videos. Instagram Follow @NRAS_UK for photos, videos and inspiring RA stories. HealthUnlocked Ask questions and interact with others in our forum. TikTok Follow our NEW TikTok @jia_nras Your Stories RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […] I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […] A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […] Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […] It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […] Mrs Verma talks about her story of RA, importance of family support and support groups. It’s taken a while to gain confidence and trust myself but I’m now running 3-4 times a week covering approx. 30-40k I should be the new Rory Underwood… 18 years ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and like many fellow sufferers it has been aggressive, and tough to live with at times. It blighted what should have been the best years of my life whilst nurturing my young family. Hello I’m Matt, 52 years old, […] RA will slow you down. But don’t let it stop you. I’ve always been naturally fit and active and I’ve exercised and played sport my whole life. My main passion has always been football and I was lucky enough to play at a semi-pro level, but in the summer of 2015 when I was 27 years old, I was really into running. I was running around […] Click to close video modal Close Browse all stories I am… Employer Someone with RASelect topic… Apni Jung info for South Asian community Diet and Exercise Family Planning Other Conditions RA Stories Treatment Work and Benefits Clear All Your Stories Jenny’s Story: Don’t live in fear, but just be aware and never hesitate to get help should you feel unwell or have concerns about your health Written by Carly Jones (Sister of Jennifer Wellings) Please note: The following story contains distressing themes and may be uncomfortable to read for those who have experienced a recent loss. Reader discretion is advised. My sister passed away on Thursday 6th July 2023 and in that moment the world lost a truly beautiful soul who […] Your Stories Joti’s Story Your Stories You have to be proactive in managing your illness Written by Amanda I was diagnosed at the age of 37 in 2008, after 6 months of misdiagnosis by GPs and finally ending up not being able to get out of bed one morning and being taken to hospital as an emergency. Diagnosis changed my life – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and socially. I received […] Your Stories I feel like I’ve gained a lot of my life back We spoke to Léa, who was diagnosed with RA in February 2020. Léa gives us first hand experience of her initial RA journey, the different medicines she has been prescribed to treat her RA and advice on the condition itself. Want more RA stories, Facebook Lives and informative videos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Your Stories RA will slow you down. But don’t let it stop you. I’ve always been naturally fit and active and I’ve exercised and played sport my whole life. My main passion has always been football and I was lucky enough to play at a semi-pro level, but in the summer of 2015 when I was 27 years old, I was really into running. I was running around […] Load more ↓ Get Involved There are many ways in which you can get involved to support JIA-at-NRAS, from holding a tea party to joining in with our campaigns. Help by donating Donate today to change the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Help by fundraising We need your help to continue our work and there’s lots of ways to do so! Help support others Because of your generous donations JIA-at-NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by JIA. MonthlySinglePay in Funds £5£10£20Other £16.68£34.00£83.56Other £50£100£500Other Donate now! NRAS in 2022 0 Calls answered 0 Publications sent out 0 People reached
JoinTogether online groups The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for many RA patients to be able to find new ways to connect with others like themselves. For many people attending a regional group in person may not work for them and through these new digital groups you can connect with others with similar interests and lifestyle choices. All groups are run by NRAS Volunteers. Find out more
Find a local group Many people find meeting others living with RA from their own localities to be of great benefit. There are many groups spread across UK offering a great source of RA information and support. All groups are run by NRAS Volunteers. Find out which one is nearest to you. Read more
Check our upcoming events Stay up to date with all of our upcoming events. Whether it be online group meetings, local coffee meet ups, our monthly NRAS Lives or even challenge events such as marathons or cycles – these are a great way to get involved and meet others living with RA! Find out more
Connect online Facebook Join the NRAS Facebook Community. Twitter Follow @NRAS_UK to stay in the loop about all things RA! YouTube Subscribe to our channel and never miss a video from us. We have over 150 videos. Instagram Follow @NRAS_UK for photos, videos and inspiring RA stories.
HealthUnlocked Ask questions and interact with others in our forum. TikTok Follow our NEW TikTok @jia_nras
Your Stories RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […] I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […] A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […] Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […] It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […] Mrs Verma talks about her story of RA, importance of family support and support groups. It’s taken a while to gain confidence and trust myself but I’m now running 3-4 times a week covering approx. 30-40k I should be the new Rory Underwood… 18 years ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and like many fellow sufferers it has been aggressive, and tough to live with at times. It blighted what should have been the best years of my life whilst nurturing my young family. Hello I’m Matt, 52 years old, […] RA will slow you down. But don’t let it stop you. I’ve always been naturally fit and active and I’ve exercised and played sport my whole life. My main passion has always been football and I was lucky enough to play at a semi-pro level, but in the summer of 2015 when I was 27 years old, I was really into running. I was running around […]
RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […]
I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […]
A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […]
Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […]
It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […]
It’s taken a while to gain confidence and trust myself but I’m now running 3-4 times a week covering approx. 30-40k I should be the new Rory Underwood… 18 years ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and like many fellow sufferers it has been aggressive, and tough to live with at times. It blighted what should have been the best years of my life whilst nurturing my young family. Hello I’m Matt, 52 years old, […]
RA will slow you down. But don’t let it stop you. I’ve always been naturally fit and active and I’ve exercised and played sport my whole life. My main passion has always been football and I was lucky enough to play at a semi-pro level, but in the summer of 2015 when I was 27 years old, I was really into running. I was running around […]
Browse all stories I am… Employer Someone with RASelect topic… Apni Jung info for South Asian community Diet and Exercise Family Planning Other Conditions RA Stories Treatment Work and Benefits Clear All Your Stories Jenny’s Story: Don’t live in fear, but just be aware and never hesitate to get help should you feel unwell or have concerns about your health Written by Carly Jones (Sister of Jennifer Wellings) Please note: The following story contains distressing themes and may be uncomfortable to read for those who have experienced a recent loss. Reader discretion is advised. My sister passed away on Thursday 6th July 2023 and in that moment the world lost a truly beautiful soul who […] Your Stories Joti’s Story Your Stories You have to be proactive in managing your illness Written by Amanda I was diagnosed at the age of 37 in 2008, after 6 months of misdiagnosis by GPs and finally ending up not being able to get out of bed one morning and being taken to hospital as an emergency. Diagnosis changed my life – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and socially. I received […] Your Stories I feel like I’ve gained a lot of my life back We spoke to Léa, who was diagnosed with RA in February 2020. Léa gives us first hand experience of her initial RA journey, the different medicines she has been prescribed to treat her RA and advice on the condition itself. Want more RA stories, Facebook Lives and informative videos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Your Stories RA will slow you down. But don’t let it stop you. I’ve always been naturally fit and active and I’ve exercised and played sport my whole life. My main passion has always been football and I was lucky enough to play at a semi-pro level, but in the summer of 2015 when I was 27 years old, I was really into running. I was running around […] Load more ↓
Your Stories Jenny’s Story: Don’t live in fear, but just be aware and never hesitate to get help should you feel unwell or have concerns about your health Written by Carly Jones (Sister of Jennifer Wellings) Please note: The following story contains distressing themes and may be uncomfortable to read for those who have experienced a recent loss. Reader discretion is advised. My sister passed away on Thursday 6th July 2023 and in that moment the world lost a truly beautiful soul who […]
Your Stories You have to be proactive in managing your illness Written by Amanda I was diagnosed at the age of 37 in 2008, after 6 months of misdiagnosis by GPs and finally ending up not being able to get out of bed one morning and being taken to hospital as an emergency. Diagnosis changed my life – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and socially. I received […]
Your Stories I feel like I’ve gained a lot of my life back We spoke to Léa, who was diagnosed with RA in February 2020. Léa gives us first hand experience of her initial RA journey, the different medicines she has been prescribed to treat her RA and advice on the condition itself. Want more RA stories, Facebook Lives and informative videos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Your Stories RA will slow you down. But don’t let it stop you. I’ve always been naturally fit and active and I’ve exercised and played sport my whole life. My main passion has always been football and I was lucky enough to play at a semi-pro level, but in the summer of 2015 when I was 27 years old, I was really into running. I was running around […]
Get Involved There are many ways in which you can get involved to support JIA-at-NRAS, from holding a tea party to joining in with our campaigns. Help by donating Donate today to change the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Help by fundraising We need your help to continue our work and there’s lots of ways to do so!
Help support others Because of your generous donations JIA-at-NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by JIA. MonthlySinglePay in Funds £5£10£20Other £16.68£34.00£83.56Other £50£100£500Other Donate now!