Clitheroe fundraiser takes on gruelling challenge after diagnosis
Lancashire man’s gruelling challenge to raise awareness.
A fundraiser from Lancashire is taking on a unique endurance challenge this month after being diagnosed with scleroderma.
Tom Pope, from Clitheroe, who works as a freelance filmmaker and content creator through his business, Tepee Creative Ltd, will complete the 3.8km Challenge in support of Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK, running 3.8km or cycling 38km every day for 20 consecutive days in the lead up to World Scleroderma Day on 29 June.
The challenge represents the estimated 3,800 men in the UK living with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune condition that affects around 19,000 people nationwide. Men account for approximately 20 per cent of those diagnosed, which is why the challenge spans 20 Days.
Pope, 32, who lives near Slaidburn and attended QEGS Blackburn until Sixth form, when he decided university was not for him, so he went to Canada and trained to be a ski instructor, was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) in 2025 after years of uncertainty and medical investigations.
Scleroderma is a rare and complex autoimmune condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissue, leading to hardening and scarring of the skin and, in some cases, internal organs. The condition can have a significant impact on daily life but remains relatively unknown to the wider public.
Through his fundraising challenge, Tom hopes to raise both awareness of the condition and vital funds for Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK, the only UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by scleroderma and Raynaud’s.
SRUK funds research, raises awareness and provides support to people living with these conditions. Tom is using his diagnosis as an opportunity to help others affected by the condition while contributing to SRUK’s ongoing efforts.
Speaking about his motivation for taking on the challenge, Tom said: “I was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) in 2025 after years of symptoms and investigations. Like many people living with the condition, I often looked healthy on the outside whilst dealing with symptoms that others couldn’t see.
“Through this challenge, I hope to raise awareness of a condition that many people have never heard of and raise vital funds for Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK, which supports patients, funds research and works towards a future where the impact of these conditions are minimised and, ultimately, a cure is found.”
Gemma Cornwell, Head of Fundraising & Engagement at SRUK, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Tom for taking on the 3.8 Challenge and sharing his personal experience of living with scleroderma. Raising awareness is vital because earlier recognition and diagnosis can make a real difference.
“The funds raised through challenges like this help us continue supporting people affected by scleroderma and Raynaud’s, while investing in research to improve understanding, treatment and outcomes. We wish Tom every success and thank him for his fantastic support.”