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Crohn's and Colitis are types of inflammatory bowel disease which can strike at any age, though children and young people are most at risk.  While Colitis mostly affects the large bowel, Crohn's can occur anywhere in the digestive system. These painful and exhausting conditions are on the increase, currently affecting 1 in 250 people, and can impact severely on education, work, social and family life.  They also tend to run in families.  There is no known single cause and no known cure.  Both can require a lifetime of medication and/or surgery, which can bring their own problems.  They often also lead to malnutrition and other associated conditions affecting blood, skin, bones, joints, eyes etc.

I have lived with Crohn's for 30 years (since being diagnosed at the age of 14) and in that time have undergone 7 major operations to remove about three quarters of my small bowel.  I now have to live on immuno-supressants and other drugs, with the added discomfort of internal surgical adhesions, as well as needing regular vitamin B12 injections - as I no longer have enough small bowel to absorb this naturally from food.

Having met so many other people with these diseases and seen the good work undertaken by NACC (the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's) over the years, I want to help raise money for research and support of sufferers, as well as greater public awareness of these illnesses.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.