For all who know me this story is one I have told many times, but for those who don't I'm going to tell it again (sorry!)

I am a survivor of Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic disease that really had a very good go at trying to kill me, and very nearly stripped me of every ounce of laughter for over 14 years.

I can't even comprehend now how I coped as a teenager with this awful and hidden illness. The symptoms were crippling, debilitating and I often struggled to leave the house at all through fear of accidents.

I am now a proud bag lady, and while I still have a number of health issues I am the healthiest I have ever been. 

I ran my first ever half marathon during one of my flares, when I was exhausted and had to stop for the toilet just ten minutes in to the Great North Run.

Now I want to see just what I can do, and raise awareness for all other Crohn's and Colitis sufferers out there! While there are many celebrities who have now proudly told the world they have IBD it is still a little known illness – I don't want anyone else to almost die of shame as I almost did as a teenager.

Please help me spread awareness of Crohn's and Colitis and Stomas. I will be sharing my training on my blog, but if you can't bear to follow that please sponsor me to help fund research and support for people with these horrid conditions.

I have already run the Great Newham Run finishing in the Olympic Stadium in 1hr 1min, outside my 1hr target but in horrific heat! Now I want to try and do the 10k in under 58 and the half marathon in 2hr 30min in my new home town.

http://adventuresofthebaglady.wordpress.com

Rachel