After returning from a holiday in summer 2008 I quickly became unwell, this was unfortunately the beginning of a long journey of being unwell, then eventually a diagnosis at age 8 of Crohn's disease. Some of my story has been told to me by my Mum and Dad as I was so young and too ill I struggle to recall much of the early years.

Being in a lot of pain and unable to eat a proper meal my weight plummeted so much so I was admitted to hospital for tests, this quickly became a cycle of hospital to home and vice versa. I'm told my total weight loss through the journey was 2.5 stone. The first Paediatrician found me to be a mystery I was then passed to another doctor for more tests, scans and nights in hospital. By December I was no better and in fact I was getting worse which resulted in me being rushed to hospital early Christmas Day morning this is when we were told it may be Crohn's. 

I was then referred to Alder Hey hospital to see a Gastro consultant who through more tests confirmed it was Crohn's. I was put on medication to help with recovery, unfortunately this took much longer than expected, although I had times of being in better health I never truly recovered until I was 13 when I was given the good news by my consultant that I was in remission. Since then I have only had one relapse and as a result was put on a new medication which thankfully is doing its job! 

I try and keep myself healthy by eating well (most of the time) and exercise. At present there is no cure for Crohn's but research is ongoing. 

Me and my Dad want to help raise some money for the research that Crohn's & Colitis do and we are taking part in the Liverpool half marathon on the 27th March 2022 and we would be grateful for any donations no matter how big or small. 

Thank you in advance,

Jay & Mark Rimmer.