A 23-year-old former athlete living with arthritis took part in a skydive raising over £900 for charity.

Eden Schiller, from Stoke-on-Trent, recently undertook the challenge to raise money for Arthritis UK and to challenge stereotypes about the condition affecting around 10 million people across the UK.

The athlete, who previously competed as a Team GB triathlete, began experiencing stiffness in her fingers just before her 18^th birthday.

Within a week, this spread across her body, leaving her in "agonising pain" – and unable to pursue her passion of competitive sports.

Shortly after, Eden was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and her university experience was spent trialling different medications and balancing education and social life with hospital appointments and injections.

Eden said: "For a long time, my self-worth was tied to sports. Suddenly being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, living in pain, stuck in COVID lockdown and unable to exercise - my new normal totally changed.

"I didn't respond to most medications and my health fluctuated all of the time. Two years down the line from being diagnosed I felt like I was still at the very beginning. It was challenging watching my friends enjoy sports and life when some days I was struggling to walk."

With support from family, friends and healthcare professionals, Eden was able to graduate university and find a medication that works to manage her arthritis symptoms - allowing her to return to regular physical activity.

With a new-found lease for life, Eden wanted to take on a new challenge and raise money for the charity that funds research that improves treatment, outcomes and quality of life for those in similar situations.

Eden said: "Since the early stages of my arthritis journey I've wanted to fundraise for Arthritis UK. People know me as the girl who can run, swim and cycle so I wanted to take on something nobody would expect.

"My adrenaline was pumping beforehand, it's not something you can really practice for, but once I was up in the sky I absolutely loved it.

"I'm so grateful to be able to raise awareness that anyone, any age, can get arthritis and am so grateful for everybody who has donated or supported me along the way."

Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive at Arthritis UK, said: "We are beyond grateful to have such passionate, dedicated and courageous supporters.

"Our community and fundraisers are at the heart of Arthritis UK, and it is their commitment that drives our work to ensure everyone living with arthritis can access the timely diagnosis, treatment, and care to live fully.

"I want to congratulate Eden on her incredible achievement. Growing up and navigating adulthood with a chronic illness can be both mentally and physically challenging, as Eden knows too well.

"But through sharing stories and raising vital funds, we can help shine a light arthritis and move closer to a future where none is left waiting in unnecessary pain and feeling alone."

More information about fundraising for Arthritis UK can be found on the website here.