On World IBD Day 2019 I will be taking part in  Walk IT Bristol, a 5k walk to raise awareness of and funds for Crohn’s and Colitis UK. I’ve been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis since 2005 and had multiple surgeries and drug treatments.

It will be a family affair, with my wife Donna, sons Jonah and Eli and father Graham all taking part, with mum Joy supporting on the day.

We’re the UK’s leading charity for Crohn’s and Colitis.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.We’re working 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.