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I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2009 after suffering with abdominal cramping pains, Anaemia, fatigue and weight loss amongst many other debilitating and isolating symptoms.

As a Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Air Force, this was hugely impacting my career, fitness and self-esteem. I battled through for 12 months post diagnosis; naively hoping my body would right itself. Unfortunately there was no hiding place, intravenous steroids failed to help me recover which resulted in a total colectomy (removal of my large intestine). Over the next 12 months, I underwent
two further surgical procedures to create an internal J-Pouch and take down of the ileostomy, which meant I could return to full duties and use the toilet like a ‘normal person’.

Fast forward 10 years, following countless hospital admissions, intestinal blockages, endoscopies, and taking strong medication to control ‘output’, it was deemed that the pouch had failed and the constant fatigue and pain I was suffering was down to sepsis; the j-pouch had failed. This meant invasive surgery to take the pouch down and leave me with a permanent ileostomy for the rest of my life. A hard hitting realisation for a 34 year old that was so healthy and fit, and the worry that my career serving my country may well be over. This really took a toll on me, from both a physical and emotional capacity.

Recovery was tough, and made even more difficult by sustaining 2 prolapses of the stoma. The first occasion was due to a blockage causing sickness and convulsions. The second occasion was caused by an early introduction of resistance training, which increased intra-abdominal pressure and forced the stoma to prolapse (Ironic,
considering I’m an Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor and should know better). Two further abdominal openings were performed to put right the stoma. These episodes meant that my mind-set had to alter, and in order for me to maintain my level of motivation and training effects in the gym, I decided that after much needed rest from the surgery, a steady approach to exercise rehabilitation, I would shift my training to Triathlon. This way, I wouldn’t be required to lift heavy weights, I could still push my body aerobically and I would have a new training goal that would fulfil my training passion.

Introducing Ironman. Albeit the extreme end of Triathlon, I have decided that I will test my body and see if it is still capable of performing great feats even though it’s dynamics have changed. Therefore, under the advice of my surgeon and huge support from my family and friends, I have entered Ironman Wales in September 2020. Ultimately, the journey to completing Ironman Wales is to find my path again, push boundaries, demonstrate resilience and fulfil my passion for a healthy lifestyle following a big change in my life. I want to show my family, friends and more importantly, my wife and 3 year old son that no matter what struggles in life we may face, we must fight back and be strong.  In doing so, I can hopefully demonstrate to many Crohns and Colitis sufferers that there is hope, and with grit and determination, this horrendous disease doesn’t have to rule your life. You can take control and achieve great things.

During my rehabilitation and recovery, I have been immensely fortunate enough to receive priceless support and encouragement via the military and it’s hugely valuable charitable resources. One of which has been the DMRC Benevolent Fund. In order to achieve my mammoth task of completing an Ironman, the DMRC Benevolent Fund have reached out and offered me their helping hand.

http://www.dmrcbenfund.org.uk/

They will provide financial and welfare support and continue to monitor my progress. Thus whilst continuing to do an amazing role of supporting injured and sick military women and men through their recovery from traumatic injuries, PTSD and chronic pain whilst aiding social and environment re-integration at DMRC Stanford Hall.

Your contribution to this fantastic charity will help many others recover from life changing injuries and illnesses. Please help me help them, they protect our country and sometimes they require protection too.

A small contribution can make a big difference.