Rebecca Murray, 25 years old, from Edinburgh is running the London Marathon on Sunday in aid of charity Arthritis UK, after living with the condition for over 12 years.
At just 12 years old Rebecca woke up with a hot, swollen elbow that was initially dismissed as a swimming injury.
After a year of hospital visits, referrals and failed treatments she was finally diagnosed in minutes of seeing a rheumatologist with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Rebecca said: “At such a young age, it felt like I’d lost a big part of who I was after my diagnosis”
Although Rebecca’s arthritis is now well managed, the impact it had on her childhood was profound, from navigating a diagnosis at such a young age, to being restricted from the hobbies she loved, and facing challenges with friendships and support at school.
Having lived with JIA, a condition affecting more than 10,000 children under 16 in the UK for over half her life Rebecca reflects on the lasting impact of growing up with arthritis from such a young age: “Growing up with JIA has shaped who I am today.
“I was the only person at school with the condition and often had to fight for the support I needed as it’s an invisible illness that many people wrongly associate with older age.
Rebecca added: “I had to give up competitive swimming, something I loved so much because I couldn’t manage the training alongside the pain and fatigue.”
Luckily Rebecca never felt alone when it came to living with arthritis as shortly after being diagnosed, she found out about the Young People and Families Service provided by Arthritis UK, supporting young people living with arthritis in the UK.
“The Arthritis UK Young People and Families team have been invaluable to me.
She continued: “Throughout my diagnosis they have provided me with guidance, support and friendships as I navigate not only life itself, but life with a chronic illness as a young person.
Rebecca added: “At times, I have felt pretty hopeless with my condition but the friends and connections I made through Arthritis UK really helped changed not only my outlook on my condition, but the outlook on my life.”
The ups and downs of Rebecca’s arthritis journey have inspired her to use her experience to advocate and raise awareness for other young people living with arthritis as well as fundraise for Arthritis UK, the UK’s leading arthritis charity.
After only starting her running journey in April 2025, Rebecca has spent the last 12 months preparing for her first ever marathon.
Once struggling even to walk, she is now excited but understandably apprehensive as she prepares to take on the 26.2 mile challenge, joining Team Arthritis UK at the iconic 2026 London Marathon on April 26th.
Rebecca said: “I am running the first 13 miles in honour of each of the years since my diagnosis and I am dedicating each of the next 12 miles to one of my friends who also lives with the condition; friends for life I have made through Arthritis UK and whom I couldn’t live without.
“Finally, I’ll be completing the final mile in honour of the over 10 million people in the UK who live with some form of arthritis, to show everyone that arthritis doesn’t have to hold you back.”
Rebecca has already raised over £1650 in aid of Arthritis UK with support from friends, family and the arthritis community cheering her on to the starting line.
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 Marathon is such 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.
“Rebecca’s determination through the challenges she has faced is incredibly inspirational.
“I am incredibly grateful to Rebecca for her support to Arthritis UK and I am excited to be cheering you along on the day!”
