MIDDLESBROUGH FC star Gareth Southgate has given his backing to a charity funding research into a painful condition.
The Boro captain drew the winning tickets in a draw for runners who took part in the Great North Run and raised more than £300 each for the Arthritis Research Campaign.
Looking on at the proceedings, held at the Boro's Riverside stadium, was nine-year-old Emma Doree, of Ingleby Barwick, who has systemic juvenile chronic arthritis, which means she suffers with painful swelling and inflammation in her joints.
Because of drug treatments funded by the research campaign, she is able to lead a near normal life, despite the condition which was diagnosed when she was only four.
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