Hey

Thanks for visiting my JustGiving page for Crohn's & Colitis UK.

I've persuaded some of my nearest and dearest to have a go at Newbury Triathlon this year, on Sunday 2nd of September.  These people range from hardened Ironmen (Joe) to Triathlon first-timers (Chris and Lauren) and somewhere in between (Jack and me). It's a small challenge but a challenge nonetheless and a different one for each of us.

This is the first time in five years I'm healthy enough to take part, so I'd like to share this page and raise some awareness for Crohn's disease; the condition that has stopped me since diagnosis in 2013. This was after six months of weight loss, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and sleepless nights feeling like my insides were on fire.  And it turned out they were!

Crohn's Disease is an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation of any part of the digestive tract (mouth to colon).  Its causes are relatively unknown and there is no cure, just treatment.  Symptoms can include:

• weight loss
• diarrhoea
• cramps
• fatigue
  
• abscesses and fistulae
• skin inflammation
• arthritis 

And that's just my personal list. It can lead to serious surgery. Fortunately for me I receive incredible treatment through the NHS and a long list of medications keep me healthy.

So here's a chance to raise some awareness for other people suffering, and all the tremendous doctors, nurses and volunteers who have helped me over my time with Crohn's.  Crohn's & Colitis UK fund support for all of the people involved with managing the condition, including friends and family of those affected, and importantly fund research into treatment and ultimately a cure.

Please encourage the guys to swim, cycle and run a little bit faster and enjoy our healthy bodies with a little donation to a good cause if you're feeling charitable :-)

Thanks

Paul

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.