Doncaster man to run 100 miles in 24 hours to raise money for autoimmune disease charity

A Doncaster man is getting ready to run a massive 100 miles in a single day to raise money for a charity close to his heart.
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Ian Burkill suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease which has had a big impact on his life.

Ian, 42, from Askern, said: “I was 39 when I was diagnosed and I honestly thought I was dying.“I thought it was something only old people got but it can attack any age.

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“I was hospitalised for over a week and thought it was all over for me.”

Ian Burkhill will run 100 miles in 24 hours.Ian Burkhill will run 100 miles in 24 hours.
Ian Burkhill will run 100 miles in 24 hours.
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Ian is a physical training instructor and was concerned his body would no longer operate at the level he was used to.

“Some days I can’t get out of bed,” Ian said.

“But I always bounce back.

“Just because I have this condition I don’t have to stop.

“I can carry on and I don’t have to let it beat me.

“It can be hard to stay positive but I just try to remember that there is so much more to life than arthritis.”

Ian decided that he wants to raise money for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society to help others who live with the condition.

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The medical costs associated with arthritis are high and they are life long.

“There are people out there who suffer from this a lot worse than me and I want to help,” he said.

“It can have a really big impact on people’s lives.”

He also wants to raise awareness of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

“Everyone always thinks it’s my joints that's the problem,” he said.

“But it can affect your organs too.

“And it can be triggered in people of all ages, not just the elderly.”

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Ian will be embarking on a huge physical challenge to raise money.

He will run 100 miles in just 24 hours.

On July 23 he will travel down to Derby and put his mind and body to the test.

“I hope that I can inspire others, that would be awesome,” he said.

“If I can overcome the arthritis then I think anyone can.”

You can donate to his fundraising efforts here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden editor.