In this powerful episode, personal trainer and father of three daughters (all under the age of 5), Adam Newton shares his journey of being diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis while pursuing extreme endurance goals, including training for a 100-mile ultramarathon. His symptoms began with psoriasis and escalated following a 24-hour charity cycling event. Although quickly referred to rheumatology and diagnosed, Adam initially downplayed the seriousness of the condition, pushing through pain and keeping it mostly to himself.

He opens up about the emotional and physical adjustments he’s had to make, from stepping back from sports like football and tennis to managing family life during painful flare-ups. Adam was diagnosed when his second daughter was just a few months old, and he speaks candidly about the crucial support he's received from his wife throughout his journey. He also reflects on how he talks to his daughters about his condition in an age-appropriate way, and how he eventually opened up to friends, helping them understand the reality of living with arthritis.

Through trial and error, Adam has found ways to cope, emphasising the power of good nutrition, gentle movement, and a consistent routine. His transparency with personal training clients has helped build stronger relationships and foster empathy.

Adam also hosts the podcast Through the Eyes of Adversity, where he speaks with others about how movement supports both physical and mental health through life’s challenges. He encourages anyone facing a new diagnosis to seek support, do their own research, and know they’re not alone.

Find Adam on Instagram at @adam_c_newton, and listen to his podcast on YouTube and Spotify.

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Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/

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In this episode, Debbie and Katy explore the powerful role of volunteering, especially for people living with inflammatory arthritis and chronic conditions, to coincide with volunteer’s week. The hosts share personal stories, practical advice, and inspiration on how giving back, even in small ways, can help you reclaim purpose and build a sense of community.

They stress that meaningful volunteering is about using your strengths and passions, not about forced or physically demanding tasks e.g. clearing grave yards! Through anecdotes and humour, they illustrate the many forms volunteering can take, from peer support to admin roles, and emphasize the impact it can have on both the individual and the wider community.

They also share that Inflammatory Arthritis UK is looking for volunteers and whether you're an expert in social media, admin, fundraising, grant writers, or would like to join the board of trustees or the expert advisory board, there's a place for you. If you would like to volunteer for IAUK, please do email info@inflammatoryarthritis.org

🔑 What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• How volunteering helped us rediscover confidence and connection after diagnosis
• Ways to get involved; without needing physical activity or prior experience
• Behind the scenes of starting a new charity: strategy, structure, and passion
• The power of small contributions (yes, even sweeping counts!)
• How you can join our Trustee Board or Expert Advisory Group
• Volunteer opportunities in admin, social media, grant writing, and more

📣 Get Involved:

We’re actively looking for volunteers to support Inflammatory Arthritis UK. Whether you can give one hour a month or a little more, your skills and lived experience are invaluable.

✅ Interested in volunteering, becoming a trustee, or joining our advisory group?

📩 Contact us via: inflammatoryarthritis.org

💬 Or reach out on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | BlueSky

For more information about being a trustee and what it entails please see here.

📝 Quote of the Episode:

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

📬 Stay Connected:

Sign up to our newsletter for updates, guest announcements, and more at inflammatoryarthritis.org.

🎧 See you next week for another inspiring guest episode!

Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflammatory! is making a real difference, helping people feel seen, heard, and supported in their journey with inflammatory arthritis. If you’ve found value in what we do, please consider donating to help us continue creating meaningful content. Every contribution, big or small, makes a huge impact.

👉 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/inflammatory

In this heartfelt and humorous Q&A episode, Debbie and Katy discuss the lighter and often hilarious side of living with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA). From hospital mishaps to dodging duty-free trolleys on long-haul flights, they share real-life stories that bring warmth and authenticity to chronic illness.

The episode kicks off with Katy sharing how her hospital appointments are never simple, this time, a burst water pipe added to the chaos. Despite the disruption, she still managed to get her blood test done and even turned it into a teaching moment for her son, explaining why regular tests are so important. Meanwhile, Debbie talks about the charity’s ongoing work, from ensuring the voices of those living with inflammatory arthritis are heard in NHS service improvements, to awaiting clarity on how the NHS’s 10-year plan will involve the charity sector. She also highlights meaningful discussions with researchers focused on making research truly inclusive and accessible at every stage.

They then go on to answer questions from listeners:

· What side effects have you had with medication?

· Pregnancy, medication and parenting

· What is the most obscure cure you have been told that would cure your IA?

· Do you have a funny story about inflammatory arthritis?

· How do you support a partner who lives with IA?

They end on thoughtful advice to partners supporting loved ones with IA and remind us that laughter and communication are powerful tools for navigating the ups and downs.

Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.