I’m fundraising for Crohn’s & Colitis UK because this cause is incredibly close to my heart. It’s not just a name or statistic to me—it’s part of my family's story. For generations, my loved ones have lived with the daily realities of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the toll it takes on physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

My great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and sister have all battled with either Crohn’s or Colitis. Each of them has shown immense strength in the face of a disease that is often invisible to others, yet incredibly disruptive and painful.

My grandmother was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in the 60’s and had numerous surgeries, many of which took place in student hospitals in the presence of both students and surgeons to allow others to learn more about this otherwise invisible, but debilitating, illness.

In 2008 my mother had life-changing surgery to fit a colostomy bag after being diagnosed and suffering with ulcerative colitis. This was a huge eye-opener for me, as a teenager, to see the huge impact this disease can have not only for the person I look up to most, but for the rest of the family. I must add that this surgery completely changed my mothers quality of life however, with the life-changing outcomes of having the bag, the journey doesn’t end after the surgery is complete. It took years for my mother to become comfortable with it – there wasn’t as much awareness of stoma bags back then!

Then, in 2016, at the age of only 22 years old, my sister was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. It took a while of suffering before being diagnosed as a young and otherwise fit female who suffered with an ‘invisible illness’ however, taking the family history into consideration – this was investigated quickly! It has been hard to watch my sister suffer… with frequent hospital admissions, steroid treatments, and flareups that leave her unable to leave the house, which is why I am so passionate about raising awareness.

From dealing with unpredictable flare-ups and hospital stays to coping with fatigue, dietary restrictions, and life-altering surgeries, all of their journeys have shaped my understanding of resilience—and also the urgent need for better support, awareness, and treatment options. 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 2026 TCS London Marathon 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.