An estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease that many people have never even heard of. Our aim is to help raise funds and awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis UK and join the journey to help eradicate the stigma surrounding these diseases! In light of this we have shared Hugo’s personal story below - our motivation to complete this challenge, as well as, our reminder of how far he has come to take on a challenge like this.

Hugo’s Story:

“At 18 years old I was diagnosed with Pan Ulcerative Colitis. I have struggled with the disease for 7 years now. Unfortunately the medication did not work for me which resulted in me having an Ileostomy. I found life extremely challenging and difficult with the stoma so I elected to have the two further operations resulting in a J-pouch reversal. I had to come to terms with the fact that any operation was a risk and that I may have to live with the stoma for the rest of my life. My first operation was during peak lockdown. I was informed that I should only have to have to wait for a maximum of a year for the reversal. Over two years passed before I was finally able to have the reversal and my new J-pouch created. I would finally be free of the disease and able to live my life - or so I thought… Two months later I caught Covid which caused numerous complications as I was high risk and vulnerable due to the immunosuppressant medications I was taking, and continue to take to this day. After 4-5 months of pain I was diagnosed with Enteropathic Arthritis. This completely changed my life. I was unable to walk, work or manage even the most simplest of tasks. I thought I was never going to be able to return to a normal life let alone run again. After two years of self progression and exercise I am now able to run and take part in the sports I previously enjoyed. I appreciate that running a Half Marathon would be a huge achievement for anyone and I would take great pride in undertaking this challenge, along with my sister, on behalf of Crohns & Colitis UK.”

Donating just £15 could place vital information booklets in the hands of 50 people, £25 could fund a life-changing call to our support line and an information pack, £50 could fund half a day’s research!