Raising money and awareness for Crohn's &Colitis

In 2018, when I was 18 years old, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a form of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Since then, my health has detiriorated and I have been diagnosed with two further illnesses- endometriosis and Fowler's. I continue to spend a lot of time in hospital for admissions, invasive tests, check-ups and treatment, which has had massive consequences on my life. At 22 years old, I am unable to hold down a job, plan for my future and live independently. This disease is widely misunderstood and many people do not realise the severity of IBD. In a nut shell, my immune system attacks my intestines, triggering a range of incredibly distressing symptoms which are not just limited to the bowel but can also impact skin, joints and mouth to name just a few. The treatments themselves can be brutal, I have endured many of them and am currently unsure about my next options.

My family have had to watch me suffer for 4 years and have felt helpless, so have decided to complete a half marathon on Sunday 27th March at Lee Valley to raise both money and awareness for this devastating disease. We want to aid further research into IBD, eradicate the stigma surrounding bowel disease and potentially help those who also suffer.