Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a painful, progressive form of inflammatory arthritis that affects young people. The spine is most commonly affected but other joints, tendons and ligaments can also be affected. Symptoms usually start in late teens and early 20s and it can currently take 7-10 years to get an accurate diagnosis. There is no cure for AS but symptoms can be managed with medication and appropriate exercise. Left untreated, AS can become chronic, disabling and will cause irreversible spinal damage. 
Dr Keat and his team of 30 from the London Rowing Club will set off on their 150 mile row from Lechlade on Sunday 31 August and reach Putney, their final destination on Thursday 4 September. Rowing around 30 miles each day, the intrepid
team will also be sporting their NASS orange t-shirts along the route to raise awareness of AS, and NASS, the only UK charity dedicated to the needs of people affected by the condition.
Dr Andrew Keat, Consultant Rheumatologist at Northwick Park Hospital and Trustee of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) is leading the London Rowing Club (LRC) in a gruelling 150 mile challenge along the river Thames to support people living with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
AS is a painful, progressive form of inflammatory arthritis that affects young people. The spine is most commonly affected but other joints, tendons and ligaments can also be affected. Symptoms usually start in late teens and early 20s and it can currently take 7-10 years to get an accurate diagnosis. There is no cure for AS but symptoms can be managed with medication and appropriate exercise. Left untreated, AS can become chronic, disabling and will cause irreversible spinal damage.
List of Rheumatologists
For more information about AS and / or to support their fundraising please go to www.nass.co.uk
