In 2014 I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. After two long hard years and trying a number of different medication I was booked in for emergency surgery to remove my large bowel and sew the end of my small bowel into my tummy to create my ileostomy. Without this operation I wouldn't be here today, it saved me physically and mentally and I can't thank my surgeon, gastro doctor, IBD nurses and CCUK enough for the help and support they have given me which is why I'm taking part in this event to raise awareness and money for the vital research into finding a cure.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK is a national charity in the battle against Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. We are fighting to achieve a better quality of life for the 300,000 people in the UK suffering physically and emotionally from these and other forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Ultimately, we want to find a cure.