*UPDATE: Due to the ongoing global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 my charity place has been officially rolled over to the 2022 edition of the Berlin Marathon.* 

I don't really have to do much of an introduction anymore but for those who may not know I shall do one anyway.

Right now, over 300,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease that many people have never heard of. And the real number could be almost double that because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence. But they’re not alone.

As a Crohn's fighter for over a decade I have had many ups and downs during that time but I have always been able to find a way to do the things I want and have had some incredible adventures and experiences. I am lucky. Not everyone with Crohn's or Colitis can. 

This is why I hope for a world where people no longer suffer the daily battle with this unforgiving condition. Having the first hand experience of how truly crippling this condition can be, it is not a life anyone should have to live.   

That is why I have decided to take a charity place for the Berlin Marathon this September as part of my journey to getting my six stars for the Abbott World Major Marathons. This will be my third star after Chicago and New York. I naturally chose to support Crohn's and Colitis and feel privileged they offered me a place. It will be an absolute honour to represent and be an ambassador for so many people who suffer from Crohn's and Colitis daily.   

Crohn's and Colitis UK work tirelessly to improve diagnosis and treatment, and to fund research into a cure; to raise awareness and to give people hope, comfort and confidence to live freer, fuller lives.

The target that has been set for me is £900 and I won't lie, I find this a very very daunting prospect. Throughout the year I shall be organising and taking part in fundraising events and challenges to hopefully encourage people to donate and reach my target.

Thank you for reading and I shall keep everyone up to date with my training in the months leading up to the big day.