Hi, Hannah here. 

I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis) in June 2014, aged 15. The disease has had a huge impact on my life and led me to experience a range of different side effects, largely brought on by the amount of different medication that I have had to take in an attempt to control the disease.

I’ve been admitted to hospital a number of times since my diagnosis, and experienced everything from multiple blood, plasma and electrolyte transfusions, seizures and cardiac arrest to procedures such as colonoscopies to routinely monitor my condition.

I am a huge advocate for supporting those with invisible disabilities, as myself and my family have only come to terms with how debilitating Crohn’s and Colitis can be since I’ve been diagnosed. My grandad also had Inflammatory Bowel Disease and bravely battled the condition for many years before his passing in 2010.

Although this is a very common medical condition, not very many conversations are had about it outside of doctors’ offices and hospitals, mostly due to the stigma and taboo subject of the disease.

In participating in this fundraiser, we can be instrumental in helping to get earlier diagnosis and better treatment for Crohn’s and Colitis. Events like these will help raise awareness of the disease, and allow people to gain confidence and live freer, fuller lives. Who knows, one day we might even find a cure!

Thank you for supporting us 💜