10 years ago, acute pancreatitis left me fighting for my life in intensive care.

10 years later, I’m marking the milestone by taking on 10 races in aid of Guts UK to raise awareness and support research into better understanding and treatment of the condition.

Recovering from pancreatitis made me completely rethink my health and lifestyle. Quitting alcohol and smoking was the first step, but the journey to becoming the fittest and healthiest version of myself is still ongoing.

I’ve always had an addictive personality and tend to throw myself fully into whatever I do. For many years that focus went into playing pool, where at one point the only exercise I was getting was walking around pool tables!

Over the following years, I improved my diet and became more active through golf. That changed my mindset and led me to discover a love for running.

As my fitness improved, I eventually built the confidence to walk into my first CrossFit class and took nutrition another step further. However, years later, I’m still learning how to manage digestion and what works best for my body.

Everyone’s journey with pancreatitis can be different, and there is still so much that isn’t understood. There is still no treatment that can stop the inflammation in acute pancreatitis, and the condition remains under-researched.

While I’m still reminded of pancreatitis, I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can take on a challenge like this. And as the milestone approached, it felt like an opportunity to contribute.

10 years ago, I could never have imagined pushing my body the way I do today.

I’m taking on 10 races, including my first HYROX, my first half marathon and ultimately my first marathon.

I’ll also be sharing more about pancreatitis through an awareness series and supporting Guts UK’s ‘Kranky Panky’ campaign to help more people understand the condition and why more research is needed.

I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from friends I’ve made through Specsavers and the sports I’m part of. From pool through to running and CrossFit, the encouragement across these communities has meant a lot.

Every donation, share and conversation gets us closer to the goal.

Raising awareness of pancreatitis and supporting Guts UK’s work to improve understanding and treatment.