A determined man who sufferes from a painful form of spinal arthritis has completed a sponsored walk to raise awareness of the disease.

Tony Rod�, 64, was first diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis when he was 21-years-old.

Now nearly all the bones in his spine are fused together and his ribcage doesn’t move.

Despite the difficulties this means for breathing and movement, Mr Rod� tries to live life to the full.

Earlier this month, Mr Rod� and family dog Jazz, joined other members of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society in Richmond Park to walk or run a 5k or 10k route to raise awareness and cash for the illness.

Mr Rod�, of The Lammas, Mundford, who lives with his wife Sally, 60 and their 18-year-old son Sam, set out to raise �100 from his walk, but thanks to the generosity of friends raised just over �300.

“It wasn’t the easiest challenge, but it was worth doing to bring this illness to people’s attention,” he said.

“There are treatments that can help ease the pain, but many of these are not available on the NHS and we hope to raise awareness of this issue too.”

To add to Mr Rod�’s sponsorship total go to www.justgiving.com/Anthony-Rode.