This April I will be riding 300km to raise vital funds for those living with and affected by Crohn's and Colitis. Right now, an estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease that many people have never heard of and for which there is no known cure. Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence.

I have lived with Crohn's disease for over 20 years.  In 2021 my consultant colorectal surgeon recommended an operation to remove the infected part of my bowel.  At the time it was thought that all of the diseased part of my colon had been removed, but as the months have gone by the Chrons has returned.

10 days post operatively I developed a saddle pulmonary embolism (blood clot on my lungs) which affected both of my lungs.  Thankfully this was treated quickly as I was made aware that it was potentially life threatening. As a result I now get a build up of  fluid in my lungs which is regularly drained when I find it difficult to breathe.  This reduces my breathing capacity and restricts my ability to do what I enjoy. I am OK walking about 2-3 miles on the flat but if I come across a hill or a tall flight of stairs I struggle.

So what am I doing trying to ride 300km?  Crohn's and Colitis UK need funds for research to try and find a cure for this disease.  I hope that you can help by making a small donation via this web site.

PS  My bike is an ebike which will help me complete this challenge and a donation from you will spur me on!!