A HEALTH activist and blogger from Stroud has been shortlisted for a national award for her raw and honest writing about living with a chronic illness.
Denise Nolson’s blog posts about her experiences suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis are read by thousands around the world each week.
Posting under the name SingleRheum, Denise, 46, has built a solid online following over the last year and a half and has now been nominated for this year’s WEGO Health Activist awards.
“When I first started this blog I was fully prepared to get half a dozen views or so, I had no idea it would turn into something nearly 7000 people from all over the world would access,” she said.
“Over the last 18 months or so I’ve published over 50 posts, and everyone has led to me being genuinely touched by the comments and replies I’ve received.
“Sharing my personal journey has led me to make some fabulous online friends which I’m eternally grateful for.
“For every time I post I see another viewpoint or hear another’s story, it’s been a two way process all the way, I love and appreciate every person who chooses to share with me in return.
“This is where I say with all honesty I am genuinely delighted to be nominated, it means the world to me, I actually cried when I received the notification.”
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic progressive disease causing inflammation in the joints and resulting in painful deformity and immobility, especially in the fingers, wrists, feet, and ankles.
Denise was diagnosed with the condition in January 2015 and started writing shortly after.
Her blog follows the path from her diagnosis, treatment and often painful experiences living with the disease.
It is celebrated for its touching openness, how its helps raise awareness and helps others who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis.
After finding out she had the disease, Denise was forced to quit her job and now relies on crutches to walk.
The chronic pain caused by swelling and stiffness in the joints has left her suffering from sleep deprivation and extreme fatigue on a daily basis.
To vote for Denise in the Best In Show: Blog category of the WEBO awards click here.
Visit her blog at singlerheum.com/
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