Charlie Robards: Living with Axial SpA

This week, Debbie and Katy sit down with the brilliant and endlessly determined Charlie Robards, who was diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis at just 18 - right as he was chasing his dream of becoming a professional sportsman. Now 50, Charlie reflects on three decades of navigating pain, ambition, parenting, relationships, and the emotional weight of a lifelong condition.What unfolds is an honest, funny, and deeply human conversation about resilience, identity, and the surprising places we find strength. Charlie’s story is a reminder that life doesn’t always go to plan, but it can still be full, joyful, and meaningful.“I am who I am, work with what you’ve got rather than fight to be something you’re not.”Key topics:

• Impact of being diagnosed at 18
• Sport as a lifeline
• Flares, pain & the hot/cold debate
• Weather, mood & mobility
• Talking to partners, friends & coaches
• Parenting with AxSpA
• Mental health & suppressed emotions
• Biologics & uveitis
• Writing Hitting AS for Six
• Advice to his younger self

Key words: Axial spondyloarthritis, AxSpA, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic pain, sport and disability, cricket, resilience, uveitis, biologics, flare management, men’s mental health, invisible illness, parenting with chronic illness, acceptance, pacing, inflammation, NASS, lived experience.Resources and links:

Hitting AS for Six — Charlie’s book supporting NASS

• National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS)
• Inflammatory Arthritis UK (IAUK) — resources, stories, and support
• Newsletter sign-up: inflammatoryarthritis.org
• Find us on BlueSky, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

This episode was funded by UCB, who had no involvement in the development of the content or any associated materials.

Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content. For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/