After giving birth to my gorgeous niece Ella Grace her first child in January 2013 my sister almost immediately started losing weight and feeling unwell.

Dropping to almost 7 stone in 5 months which was almost half her normal weight we were back and forth to the doctors. Blood tests shown she was anaemic which contributed to her being exhausted. It was not possible for her to take iron as it bunged her up and made her sick. Steroids were prescribed and advised Crones was the likely diagnosis but could not be confirmed until a colonoscopy was done. With more tests, scans and bloods taken but with no signs of improvement my little sister was struggling with depression, pain and serious anxiety about what lay ahead. All the time doing her best to be a mum to a new born baby girl.

My sister underwent a colonoscopy and had biopsies. The results were indicating strongly to crones but again not conclusive. Continuing on steroids and not being able to leave the house for fear of being too far from a bathroom and literally not having enough energy to climb a set of stairs. Seeing the dietician with a meal plan of only shakes to rest her insides was given.

S's weight plummeted and she was bed ridden for her daughters first Christmas but refused to be admitted to hospital and leave her baby. Still putting being a mum first.

After a suspected scare of appendicitis S was rushed in to hospital and the CT scan showed clear swelling infection and ulcers/pollops. She was put on a drip and kept in for 3 nights. She cried for the duration but stuck it out in the hope to finally get some diagnosis and treatment. Sent home feeling a little better after the antibiotics with appointments booked for yet another colonoscopy. On the 21st Jan 2015 S had to take laxatives and not eat in preparation for her colonoscopy on the 22nd Jan.

She was so upset and worried about having this but it confirmed she has crones. The plan now is to get her medication right and monitor my little sis often to make sure she keeps this scary and confusing illness at bay. Ella Grace is 2 now and a handful but doing amazing. I am so proud of my sister and want to show her my full support. I read so many stories and want to help fund towards research. I hate the thought of anyone suffering for such long periods of time before being diagnosed and treated properly. I take my hat off to all those dealing with crones, colitis or IBS.