My IBD story started on holiday in Crete in May 2017. I was regularly passing blood and was hoping it was only haemorrhoids rather than cancer. I kept it to myself until we returned, then told my wife, Allison, that I was going to see the GP about it. I was referred for a colonoscopy and discovered I had Ulcerative Colitis, a form of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). I was prescribed medication which seemed to keep it under control for a while. Then in September things took a change for the worse. I was having regular accidents, losing blood and suffering severe fatigue. Various medications were tried including several months of steroids but with little success. I finally ended up in A&E in April 2018 in a fairly poor state. I left hospital three and a half weeks later with most of my colon removed and a new friend - my ileostomy (stoma). As I had been very ill prior to my hospital admission my initial recovery was slow but thankfully I got back to normal life and a return to work in October 2018. I’m feeling great at the moment and preparing for completion surgery hopefully in the next couple of months.

Overall I feel lucky because I’ve been fairly healthy throughout my life and now thanks to my stoma can pretty much do anything I want to. I’ve also had amazing support from my wonderful family and friends. However, some people aren’t so lucky - they may not have the same support network, may develop IBD from a younger age, and may have to deal with the side effects of quite aggressive medication. And of course there’s the stigma attached to having a bowel related condition 🙁

The WALK IT event gives people the opportunity to raise more awareness and funds for Crohn’s & Colitis UK so that they can continue their great work.

‘Team Deacon’ consists of me (if I haven’t had my operation by then 😬), Allison, Laura, Andy, Rosie and Niall. We will be taking part in Walk It, London, on the 8th June. I hope you’ll consider sponsoring us.  Thank you 😊