I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at Great Ormond Street in 1982, aged 11.  I was seriously ill and my symptoms had been misdiagnosed as anxiety after I started at secondary school. 

I was devastated initially at having Crohn's a disease for which there was, and still is, no cure.  I was apprehensive about telling people I had the disease, particularly when I was a teenager and when I started working, because of the embarrassing symptoms.  But I have always been ambitious and didn't want people to treat me differently and I wanted to be successful and lead a normal life.  In fact I have always considered having Crohn's as a super power that has driven me to achieve my goals.  I have never allowed it to define me. 

Now I am older, with three resections behind me, I have three beautiful children, an amazing wife and interests in several successful businesses and I want to inspire young people suffering from Crohn's and colitis and let them know that even with these conditions they can succeed and achieve their dreams in life.  

I am running my first marathon to raise money for research into Crohn's and provide support for those suffering from the disease and demonstrate that anything is possible, even with Crohn's.