Ultramarathon runner left in wheelchair by crippling arthritis is ‘grieving’ former life

Mollie Dobson, 26, is now fundraising for stem cell treatment in the hope of reclaiming a more mobile life after having to give up her beloved running

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A runner who went from ultramarathons to having severe arthritis is “grieving” their former self as “simple tasks” have become “impossible”.

Mollie Dobson, 26, is now fundraising for stem cell treatment in the hope of reclaiming their life. The Mancunian was admitted to hospital for four days in December 2022 after a root canal infection, which doctors suspect possibly triggered an autoimmune response.

Within month, Mollie began experiencing persistent ankle pain and swelling that gradually worsened.

After it spread to Mollie’s hands and knees, the runner was eventually diagnosed with arthritis in 2024, which Mollie said has “strained” some of their relationships, as they often have to cancel plans due to their chronic pain.

Mollie believes age may have delayed the diagnosis as doctors may not have considered arthritis because it is associated with the older generation.

The runner now uses a wheelchair and crutches day-to-day, has moved back home with their father, and has tried physiotherapy and a range of medications without long-term relief.

Mollie, who is a part-time support worker and events promoter for Riot Garden, said: “Watching my body deteriorate and fail me day in and day out has had a huge impact on my mental health – it almost feels like a form of grief.

“I am grieving for the person I used to be which is someone almost unrecognisable to myself.

“I hope to send a message that reminds all those living with any chronic illness they’re not alone, (and) I also want to send a plea for greater research into arthritis and for it to be taken seriously.”

In December 2022, Mollie was admitted into Manchester Infirmary for four days with a severe infection following a root canal procedure.

Mollie’s doctors believe this triggered an autoimmune response, meaning the immune system was attacking the runner’s healthy tissue.

In March 2023, Mollie noticed pain and swelling in the ankles – at the time, they were “really into running”, doing it multiple times a week and even running ultramarathons.

Mollie initially assumed it was related to this, but after the pain “did not go away” they visited their GP and had an X-ray the same month, which did not flag any issues.

The pain started “progressing” over time and it eventually spread to the hands and knees.

Mollie said: “I think the biggest misconception is that it only happens in the older generation. I think the damage it can cause is greatly minimised too. I think doctors didn’t suggest arthritis because they might have thought I was too young to have it.”

Since then Mollie said “simple daily tasks” have become ”nearly impossible”

Mollie said: “Getting dressed causes me pain and fatigue. My daily life is so different now than what it was, everything I do has to be assessed in great detail beforehand.

“Relationships have been greatly impacted – chronic fatigue and pain mean I am not as reliable and may have to cancel plans last minute, which can – and has – strained certain relationships in my life.”

Mollie began using a wheelchair last year for longer outings, which they said was a “real adjustment” but that they were glad they “gave in” to using one.

Mollie also moved back in with their dad, as they needed more support.

“I used to live by myself and was so independent – I love my dad, we have a great relationship and get on so well, but it’s not the same as living alone and doing your own thing,” Mollie said.

In January, Mollie ended up in hospital due to a “bad flare-up”.

“I was planning on going to work, however when I woke up I couldn’t move without crying out in pain. I was essentially bed bound: it took the assistance of three individuals to transfer me from my wheelchair into the hospital bed,” Mollie said.

Since then, Mollie has been using crutches in their day-to-day life.

Mollie is now looking into getting stem cell therapy privately – this would involve using stem cells, which are cells that can develop into different types of specialised cells in the body, with the aim of reducing inflammation and helping to repair or regenerate damaged joint tissue.

Mollie estimates it will cost £10,000, and has set up a GoFundMe to help finance the treatment. Mollie is also hosting a fundraising event at Withington Public Hall, Manchester, on May 16.

“No words can describe what that would mean to me, if I met the target, this could be life changing,” Mollie said.

• To donate to Mollie’s fundraiser, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/stem-cells-and-safety-pins.