My brother David's story: 

I was diagnosed in 2017 after a rapid onset of symptoms. After trying for months to see a specialist I was eventually referred through the NHS to a gastroenterologist who quickly diagnosed me with UC after taking biopsies of my colon.
We tried lots of different medications for me, including heavy steroid use, infusions, and even the suggestion of surgery at 18 years old - which I declined for personal reasons. Fast forward to now, I'm currently taking Rinvoq which, praise God, is the best medication I've ever had. David continues to fight his battle with UC in the USA! 

My good friend Adam's story: 

When on holiday in 2011 in Spain, the symptoms started and it took over a year and seeing 10 different GPs before I got sent to a gastroenterologist and a diagnosis.

There was then a year and a bit of symptoms with it being very active which included a hospital stay. I was eventually put onto infliximab which was a total change and was almost symptom free within a week!

At my lowest I was down to 52kg, whereas pre disease I was 95kg

I’m now essentially symptom free since 2014-5, which has been maintained through exercise, diet and medication!

My reasons!

I have worked as an Emergency and A&E nurse for 3 years and always want to better my patients experience with all types of illnesses! I see patients day in and out with a wide range of diseases, and if I could  support a fraction of those people as well as David and Adam I feel as though I would be benefiting current and future people with such a complex illness! I hope you feel the same to support and donate to an amazing charity. 

Crohn's & Colitis UK are the UK's leading charity for Crohn's and Colitis. Right now, over 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease that many people have never heard of. I am taking part in the 2024 Great North Run to support Crohn's & Colitis UK, and your donation can help Crohn's & Colitis UK's mission to improve diagnosis and treatment; to fund research and raise awareness.