Georgie Wishart Stretch-tember 2023

Stretch-tember

Stretch-tember offers specialized stretching classes and tutorials designed for people with axial SpA, by experienced instructors who share the condition. Stretch-tember is about finding movement that works for you, whilst helping to raise awareness and funds for people living with axial SpA.

Thank you for taking part in Stretch-tember 2024!

This year, 300 + members of the NASS & Yoga for AS community took part in Stretch-tember to move more for their axial SpA.

17 fundraisers raised an incredible £2,850!

Thank you to everyone who joined NASS & Yoga for AS this month and helped raise awareness and vital funds for people living with axial SpA. We are truly grateful for the community, and hope that you have and will continue to benefit from stretching for your axial SpA.

Don’t forget to sign up to Yoga for AS using the code STRETCHTEMBER24 to receive 75% off your subscription for the month of October!

We cannot wait to see you all again next year!

Get in touch

If you would like to give us your feedback or share your experience taking part in Stretch-tember 2024, please contact fundraising@nass.co.uk, or call NASS on 020 8741 1515 and press option 2. For questions about signing up to Yoga for AS, please email Jamie at admin@yogaforas.com.

Contact the fundraising team

What is Stretch-tember?

Stretch-tember is a great chance to learn how to stretch more for your axial SpA in classes and tutorials made for people with axial SpA, by people with axial SpA.

Jamie and Geoff at Yoga for AS both live with axial SpA, have worked with hundreds of people with AS, and are highly experienced yoga teachers. Their priority is to make the classes as accessible, safe and inclusive as possible to everyone.

When you sign up with Yoga for AS for Stretch-tember, between 1 September – 1 October, you’ll receive free access to:

  • Pre-recorded stretching tutorials – whether you want something very gentle or more intense, there’s something for all levels.
  • Live classes – whether you’re experiencing fatigue or haven’t done much stretching before, a live class is a chance to meet others via Zoom going through the similar experience as you with their AS.
  • Access to an online community of thousands of people, of all levels, abilities and experiences, stretching and moving more for their axial SpA.

Plus! Discounted Yoga for AS membership for 1 month if you sign up after Stretch-tember.

Learn more about the benefits of physical activity and axial SpA from Dr Roberts.

 

How can I give back to NASS during Stretch-tember?

By signing up to fundraise for NASS during Stretch-tember, every penny you raise will help improve the lives of people with axial SpA.

Plus! If you raise (or donate) just £20, we’ll send you a NASS t-shirt or running vest for you to stretch in to say thank you.

This year, 300 + members of the NASS & Yoga for AS community took part in Stretch-tember to move more for their axial SpA.

17 fundraisers raised an incredible £2,850!

Thank you to everyone who joined NASS & Yoga for AS this month and helped raise awareness and vital funds for people living with axial SpA. We are truly grateful for the community, and hope that you have and will continue to benefit from stretching for your axial SpA.

Your stories

Nicola's story

“I started yoga in lockdown and now practice it as much as I can. I find that yoga is everything I need to help manage my condition. Stretching, a little cardio, strength and very importantly, balance.”

Read Nicola's story
Clare Redshaw Stretch-tember 2024

Clare's story

“When I saw the Stretch-tember programme I thought that this would be a great opportunity for me to try a new gentle activity – something that I can add to my AS management tool kit!”

Read Clare's story

Other ways to fundraise

  • 220k

    Adults in the UK

    1 in 200 of the adult population in the UK have axial SpA (AS). That's twice as many as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

  • 26

    Average age

    Axial SpA (AS) is a condition that affects young people. Symptoms start late teens to early twenties, with the average age of onset being 26.

  • 8.5

    Years to diagnosis

    The current average delay to diagnosis from when symptoms start is 8.5 years, by which irreversible damage to the spine may have occurred.

  • 59%

    Mental health

    59% of people with axial SpA (AS) report experiencing mental health problems compared to 25% of those with musculoskeletal conditions overall.