Moore Than Arthritis was born from lived experience.

I grew up in Cheltenham, where football was a huge part of my life. From the age of nine until I was sixteen, I played for Charlton Rovers AFC in the Cheltenham League. Our team later became St Mark's Football Club and moved into the Stroud League, where we faced new challenges at a more competitive level. During those years, I had trials with Bristol City, Cardiff City and Torquay United. I was also offered the opportunity to move to Sheffield Wednesday, but the distance made that difficult at the time.

I later built a career as a chef spanning more than twenty years. I worked for Thistle Hotels and Hilton before moving to Germany to work for the British Army. I spent eight years there before returning to the UK. In 2013, I moved to Hull and became Stadium Chef at Hull Kingston Rovers, initially for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. I then stayed for another season in Super League. Today, I work for what I believe is one of the best companies in the motor industry. I am surrounded by fantastic, well-rounded people who help make the challenges I experience much easier to manage.

I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and associated enthesitis. The diagnosis came as a sudden shock and changed almost every part of my life. I had always loved attending live sport — particularly football and rugby league — but during the first three years after my diagnosis, that became almost impossible. There were some very dark moments. I grieved for my old life and, at times, I never imagined that I would be here today sharing my story.

With incredible support from Vizion — particularly my manager and immediate colleagues — I have been able to remain in work and continue contributing professionally. Their support showed me that sometimes it only takes one or two people who still believe in you, together with a few thoughtful adjustments, to help you remain part of working life. That experience planted the idea for Moore Than Arthritis.

I believe that nobody should be defined by their diagnosis. However, people are rarely prepared for how differently everyday life may need to be approached. After my diagnosis, I was given a leaflet for a national arthritis charity and then largely left to navigate what came next for myself. I do not believe anyone should have to become their own expert or fight alone for the support they need to live the life they deserve. That is why Moore Than Arthritis was born.

My vision is to bring together inclusive businesses, sports clubs, theatres, cinemas, wellbeing and leisure providers, charities, community organisations and NHS foundation trusts. Together, we can help people living with arthritis and related long-term conditions find information, opportunities, understanding and places where they feel genuinely welcome. In just over two months, five incredible organisations have joined the Moore Than Arthritis Free Active Community Network: Inflammatory Arthritis UK, Hull KR Foundation, Active Hands, PETA UK – Easi-Grip, and City of Hull Boxing Club.

My aim is to establish Moore Than Arthritis Support Groups where the whole person is valued — places where people can talk, connect and be accepted however they may be feeling. I also want to use lived experience to improve workplace inclusion and develop our Accessibility Spotlight for venues that are willing to have honest conversations, improve their practices and help more people enjoy what they offer with confidence. We would also love to work with schools, helping children and young people understand that if life does not follow the path they expected, there are still opportunities, possibilities and reasons to hope.

We want to offer hope, inspire confidence and remind people that they are not alone — and that they are so much more than their diagnosis.

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