_Kate Everett-Allen on living and thriving with rheumatoid arthritis

Kate Everett-Allen is the Head of European Residential Research at Knight Frank and has dedicated 20 years to the firm. While building her career, she has also been navigating life with a chronic illness: rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition she was diagnosed with 30 years ago.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and loss of function. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is often associated with ageing, rheumatoid arthritis can affect people as young as 16. In the UK alone, around 400,000 people live with this condition.

For Kate, the journey began as a teenager when a bout of tonsillitis developed into a condition so severe that she was bedridden and hospitalised for months. She was told she would likely be in a wheelchair by the age of 30. For a sporty teenager competing in basketball and hockey at county level, the prognosis was devastating.

“I didn’t help myself in my twenties,” Kate admits. “I did the classic bury-your-head-in-the-sand approach and went into total denial.”

Personal and professional challenges

Today, Kate manages her condition with weekly injections, which come with challenging side effects such as nausea and fatigue. To maintain her professional and personal responsibilities, she meticulously plans her medication schedule, often shifting injections to accommodate work presentations or international travel.

Initially, Kate avoided discussing her condition, pushing her body to its limits to prove her diagnosis wouldn’t hold her back. Over time, she’s learned to set boundaries, though she admits this remains a work in progress.

A pivotal moment in Kate’s journey was the loss of her sister at just 35 years old, shortly after giving birth. This tragedy underscored the importance of prioritising her health not just for herself but also for her son and loved ones.

Kate acknowledges the unique challenges of living with a hidden and unpredictable condition. She praises initiatives like the Hidden Disability Sunflower Scheme, recently introduced across Knight Frank’s UK offices, which provides a subtle way for individuals to signal that they may need extra support or time.

Support systems and practical advice

Reflecting on her journey, Kate realises she didn’t always seek support at work or openly discuss her illness. However, a recent LinkedIn post marking her 20th anniversary at Knight Frank, in which she mentioned her rheumatoid arthritis, prompted an outpouring of messages from colleagues sharing their own experiences. This response inspired Kate to participate in this profile to highlight the importance of speaking up and supporting one another.

She encourages anyone living with a chronic illness or mental health condition to:

Utilise resources: Speak to HR Business Partners to learn about Knight Frank’s Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits.

Join the Ability Employee Resource Group: A safe space for support, resources, and community.

For managers and colleagues: Kate advises that you don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, simply listening, showing empathy, or pointing someone toward available resources can make a significant impact. She also recommends Knight Frank’s Challenging Conversations training to help navigate sensitive discussions.

Disability awareness and practical suggestions

Kate is passionate about raising awareness around disability, particularly the fact that nearly 80% of disabilities are hidden. She believes small adjustments can have a profound impact on those living with chronic illnesses, such as offering flexibility in schedules or creating opportunities for open dialogue.

Kate’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of understanding. Through her role, she hopes to encourage others at Knight Frank to prioritise their health and well-being, lean on available support, and foster a culture where every individual feels valued.

Disability facts you might not know

• Nearly 1 in 5 working adults have a disability, with 80% of them being hidden.
• 75% of disabled people and their families have walked away from businesses due to poor accessibility or service.
• Only 17% of disabled people are born with their disabilities.

“Small changes can make a massive difference,” Kate says, and she hopes her story inspires others to seek the support they need and champion inclusivity for all.

Find out more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Knight Frank.