'I have a rare condition no-one can see and few have heard of' Lancashire man takes on mega challenge
Lancashire 32-year-old Tom Pope looks healthy on the outside but his body is attacking itself due to a rare autoimmune condition - now he’s taking on an endurance challenge to raise awareness of Scleroderma.
“ I hope to raise awareness of a condition that many people have never heard of.”
A fundraiser from Lancashire is taking on a unique endurance challenge this month after being diagnosed with scleroderma.
Tom Pope, from Clitheroe, will complete the 3.8 Challenge in support of Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK (SRUK), 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.
Tom, 32, 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 (SRUK), 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.
He 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 is 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.”
World Scleroderma Day takes place annually on 29 June and aims to increase awareness and understanding of the condition, while highlighting the experiences of those living with it.