Every 30 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with Crohn's or Colitis. 1 in 4 people newly diagnosed are under 16. At the age of four, I was diagnosed with Crohns. It is an autoimmune disease which can affect part, or all of your digestive tract. It holds no prisoners – excruciating stomach pain becomes part of daily life for many Crohns sufferers, not to mention many other more undignified symptoms.

When I was diagnosed, I remember looking at my gastro specialist and asking ‘what does having Crohns mean?’ He looked at me thoughtfully for a long while. ‘It means you’re going to be spending a lot of time in hospital’. He couldn’t have been more accurate.

At the ripe old age of 24, I have undergone six major abdominal operations. I’ve been depressed on Steroids, I’ve had my hair fall out with Infliximab. And still the disease rages on – in a horrible gut twisting, crippling way. Even since starting my training in January, I have undergone 3 drug changes and an intense pure liquid diet to treat a bad flare up.

I'm lucky to have an amazing support network, which keep me smiling throughout. Josh is running with me as general motivator and trainer. He'll be the one pushing me up the hills.

Crohns and Colitis UK funds vital research into the cause of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. They provide invaluable support networks and finance projects looking into the life impacts of Crohns and Colitis and find ways to make life better for those living with IBD. There is currently no cure - but with every penny raised, we edge one step closer to cracking the IBD code. So what would your money be paying for?

• Your donation of £21.57 could help fund a life changing call to information and support lines.
• £51.83 could help provide 100 people with the vital information they need to help manage their condition.
• £145.01 could help fund a full days research that will improve lives today and that one day could deliver a cure.
• £1,210 could fund the specialist training for an IBD Nurse - I couldn't have got to where I am today without an IBD nurse support

To learn more about Crohn's affects daily life, see my blog https://abellyfullof.wordpress.com/

Any dollar spared is SO very much appreciated. Bryony (and Josh) x