ARTHRITIS AT 40 HASN’T STOPPED KEN

Design engineer Ken was at the top of his career working all over the world when he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

I was in my early 40s and the kids were young. I’d worked in Dubai designing gas systems for international projects. But the pain became so bad I could hardly drive. Medication only treated the symptoms.”

Ken’s superpower was his determination not to give in. He dramatically changed his lifestyle and is still sticking to his plan more than 30 years later.

“I had the frame of mind, even at my worst point, that I’d never give in. I started eating a breakfast of cereal, fruit, and yoghurt, with a light lunch of soup, lots of fish and pasta in the evening – and regular bedtimes to get as much sleep as I could.

I’ve never wavered. I start each day with a walk along a set route with a slight hill. That covers my 10,000 steps. When I don’t exercise, I don’t like the way I feel. I still wake up in pain with swollen joints, but I tell myself ‘I’m going to work through this.’

I’d tell anyone not to think ‘this is it’ –have faith in yourself, get help from the people around you – my wife has been brilliant – and stay positive.”