I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Crohns Colitis on my 17th birthday and oddly enough it was the best present that I could have asked for. I had been living in excruciating pain, losing weight at an alarming rate, vomiting or going to the bathroom immediately after or even during meals, and was constantly fatigued. The diagnosis itself didn't put an end to these symptoms but it did give me an answer; finally I knew what was happening to me and that made me feel as though I had regained some control. I was given a treatment regime and my condition improved dramatically; I went from only eating rice and (very) burnt fish fingers to eating anything that wasn't tied down, completely pain free. Since then my condition has worsened and my medication had to be changed. I am now on 2 immunosuppressants: azaithioprine and infliximab infusions. The medication reduces my ability to fight infection and as a result I get ill often and I find it difficult to recover.

I use humor and positive thinking to try and cope with my illness but the disease, medication and people's lack of understanding has affected my state of mind. I struggled to come to terms with the reality of having such a life altering illness and still feel embarrassed by the symptoms. There are still so many people that don't know about the disease and can often misunderstand how devastating the illness can be because we don't always 'look ill' which can leave sufferers feeling isolated and alone. That is why I am doing the bungee jump; I want to raise awareness of the condition whilst making a contribution to the amazing work done by the charity, Crohns and Colitis UK.