Daniella was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) at Alder Hey when she was 12 years old.
JIA causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints in the body, affecting roughly 15,000 children and young people in the UK. In Daniella’s case, she experienced swollen fingers and swollen joints, before her arthritis progressed to more debilitating symptoms such as difficulty eating and not being able to walk.
As part of her treatment, Daniella was supported by the Rheumatology department at Alder Hey and given a number of different medicines to help manage her arthritis. She continues to receive treatment in the form of infusions, to help with her symptoms.
Thanks to the care of the Rheumatology team, has been able to pursue her dream of being able to compete at the top end of motorsports. Daniella won the Total Karting Zero UK North Championship in 2022 and currently competes in the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship and will race in the 2026 British F4 Championship next year.
Daniella’s slogan is ‘Racing Without Barriers’ for women in sports and people with hidden disabilities. She is also a member of the British Women Racing Driver club, which advocates for women in motorsport. She is also an ambassador for Juvenile Arthritis Research Charity and she hopes to inspire other people with arthritis to pursue their dreams
“I went from not being able to walk under half a mile to my local park to being able to do everything that a so called ‘able person’ would be able to do – which includes competing right at the top end within racing.”
Daniella
“The Rheumatology team have been very supportive in referring me to departments which may be able to offer extra support such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy if needed. Dr Cleary has been the most amazing consultant and has really listened to me and how I feel within myself, paying great attention and working closely with my family to find the best course of medication for me.
“Without the assistance and support that Alder Hey has given me, whether that be peace of mind or actual physical administration of medication, I wouldn’t have been able to chase my dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver.”
Dr Gavin Cleary, Consultant Paediatric Rheumatologist at Alder Hey, said: “We are so grateful to Daniella for sharing her inspiring story and raising awareness of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). If any young person develops stiffness of their joints, especially if present in the morning and with pain or joint swelling, they should see their doctor and consider JIA as a cause. Early referral to a paediatric rheumatology team is so important to establish a correct diagnosis and ensure the correct treatments are provided. All of us in the Alder Hey team wish Daniella the best for her future racing success.”