A courageous young Burnley woman, who became one of the youngest people ever to have a replacement joint after she was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis as a child, is all set to run the London Marathon.

And beside Olivia Holden every step of the route will be her proud dad, contracts manager Stephen, who said: “I was shocked when Olivia told me she was doing the London Marathon, but there was no way I was letting her do it on her own.

“We are so proud of Olivia for taking on this challenge.”

Burnley mum's appeal for help to fund life changing treatment for daughter with ...

Stephen Holden and his daughter Olivia are running the London Marathon together to raise money for Arthritis UK. Olivia (25) was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of 11

The duo have been in training for 12 months and so far have raised £3,758 towards their £5,000 target for Arthritis UK.

The cause means the world to Olivia (25) and her family after her devastating diagnosis of juvenile systemic idiopathic arthritis when she was just 11. Doctors were baffled by Olivia’s illness until specialists at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital finally discovered her condition.

Spending long periods in hospital the disease affects all of Olivia’s joints and during flares she experiences high fever, profound fatigue, nausea, skin rashes, and often require hospital care.

Despite the fact that the cruel disease robbed Olivia of much of her childhood she has not let it stop her from living her life and she went to university and gained a Masters degree in forensic science.

Dad and daughter Stephen and Olivia Holden in training for the London Marathon

Olivia said: “At 22, I had my first total reverse shoulder replacement. I had my second shoulder replaced a year later. Arthritis has changed my life - physically, emotionally, and socially. Having two shoulder replacements at such a young age is incredibly rare. With limited options for future revision surgeries, the future of my mobility can feel frightening.”

Olivia, who has a younger sister Millie (13) added: “I want to help ensure that more people with arthritis get the early diagnosis, treatment, and support they deserve. That’s only possible with more research and specialist care.”

Currently working at Crow Wood Hotel in Burnley as part of the hospitality team, Olivia praised her dad and step mum Liza for their support.

She added: “My dad running alongside me at the London Marathon shows love and support in action. We’re running for everyone affected by arthritis.”

To make a donation to Stephen and Olivia’s challenge please click HERE.