Crohn’s & Colitis

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of Crohn's & Colitis UK and Alzheimer’s Society by taking part in a Tough Mudder in May with friends and family and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. To donate to Alzheimer’s Society, please click the link to head to my friend Norman Vaughan’s donation page.

https://gofund.me/112fa810

More information about Crohn's & Colitis UK: Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, affecting more than 500,000 people in the UK. Yet it is largely a hidden disease, and one that causes stigma, fear and isolation, its thought that many people with the condition go undiagnosed and suffer in silence.

My name is Jenny, I am 24 years old and I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2023.

I have suffered with chronic fatigue and pain for the last 10 years. I spent years going to doctor’s appointments, A&E and even a private physio, searching for answers. By the summer of 2023, I felt myself rapidly feeling worse. I had already gone to A&E twice before being admitted for 8 days the third time around. I had debilitating stomach pain, unable to keep food down, going to the bathroom every 20 minutes and lost 30kg in a matter of weeks. After many tests I was told I had an infection in my colon and inflammation and ulcers in my bowels.

Ulcerative Colitis has had a massive impact on my day to day life. Physically, mentally and emotionally. Since being diagnosed I have met a lot of people with Crohn’s and Colitis. A lot of which are young girls my age. We have been able to share our journeys with each other, give advice and encouragement to one another. There is a massive stigma around IBD but by raising more awareness, we don’t need to suffer in silence.