I'm reaching out to share a cause that is close to my heart and to ask for your support in a special challenge we're organising this September, as it is Hirschsprung's Disease awareness month.

Our son was born with Hirschsprung's Disease, a rare condition that affects only 1 in 5000 babies, mostly boys. Babies with Hirschsprungs are missing essential nerve cells in the bowel and intestines meaning that food can not pass through the digestive sytem normally. This can be life threatening if not treated, causing blockages, severe infections and sepsis amongst other dangerous complications. There is currently no complete cure for the disease, common treatments include surgery to create stomas and what are known as pull through operations, as well as rectal wash outs and bowel management medication. All cases are different and come with their own challenges for children, adults and families living with the disease.

Our son has a rare form of the disease where all of his large intestine and a part of his small intestine are effected by the disease and he was given a stoma at 8 weeks old. We don't know what his future will look like, he will need further surgery in the next 3 years and possibly bowel management for the rest of his life. We would really love to raise money in Joel's name to be put towards research and awareness of Hirschsprung's disease and other life changing bowel diseases through raising money for Guts UK.

Our goal is to reach a total distance of 5000km in September through a combined group effort of walking, running, cycling, swimming (any exercise really). This is in aid of babies born with Hirschsprung's Disease and to help raise money towards new research into bowel disease and other severe gut conditions.

If you are interested in contributing kilometres towards our 5000km target please sign up by emailing 5khdawareness@gmail.com.

Please help us raise funds for GUTS UK by making a donation for our cause.

Thank you.