A SCHOOLBOY with arthritis has started a group for other children who suffer from the condition.

Nine-year-old Jordy Armstrong, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, battles with daily pain after being diagnosed with arthritis at the age of three years old.

The youngster, a pupil at Cestria Primary School in Chester-le-Street, does not let his condition stop him taking part in athletics and is a member of the Houghton Harriers.

He is now joining up with other children with arthritis so that they can support each other and also raise funds for Arthritis Research UK.

The first Arthritis Kids Unite event will be held on Saturday June 20 at Holyoake Communal Rooms in South Pelaw and according to Jordy, will include ‘lots of pizza’.

Children with arthritis, aged seven to 12, are welcome to come along and join in the fun.

Jordy, who finished first in the Colourama event in Durham City for St Cuthbert’s Hospice on Saturday, said: “I wanted to make a group run by us kids with arthritis so we can talk to each other about our condition.

“I would like to raise money with the group to help other people with arthritis and to have lots of fun on the way and make friends so we can all help each other.”

He is hoping the group can meet informally every six weeks, get to know each other and together decide what they want to do and also what fun fundraising events they want to organise.

To find out more contact Jordy’s mum, Carly Armstrong, on 0191-389-4821 or 07541-472-179. Alternatively email her at carlyarmstrong@me.com