In 2013, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. From that moment on, it felt like I was constantly fighting my own body. I was never in remission for more than a month, and every flare-up took a little more out of me.

By February 2016, my body had simply had enough.

My large bowel could no longer cope, and at just 27 years old, with a beautiful nine-month-old baby who needed his mum, I was rushed into emergency surgery. I was critically ill, frightened, and facing a future I never imagined. Those days and the months that followed were some of the darkest of my life. I struggled physically, mentally, and emotionally as I tried to come to terms with everything that had happened.

Looking back now, 10 years later, I can honestly say that my stoma didn't ruin my life—it saved it.

It gave me the chance to watch my son grow up and add to our family. It gave me my independence back. It allowed me to stop simply surviving and start living again. For that, I will be forever grateful. I have also just completed my degree in Adult nursing and my goal for the future is to become a Stoma Nurse.

I also know I couldn't have navigated that journey without the incredible support of two amazing charities: Crohn's & Colitis UK and Colostomy UK. They provide information, support, advocacy and reassurance to thousands of people facing life-changing surgery and learning to live with a stoma. They remind people that they are not alone.

For the past three Septembers, I've proudly completed Crohn's & Colitis UK's Run60 challenge to raise money for a cause that means so much to me. This year, I'd love to give back to Colostomy UK.

So this September, I'm setting myself a personal challenge to run a total of **100km**.

To some people, 100km may not seem like a huge distance, but for me it represents so much more than the number. I haven't run more than 3.5km in a long time, and with a holiday to Ibiza halfway through the month, fitting the training in won't be easy. But ten years ago, I wasn't sure what my future looked like. Today, I have the privilege of challenging my body instead of fighting it.

If my story can help even one person feel less alone, or if this fundraiser can help Colostomy UK continue supporting others through some of the hardest moments of their lives, then every step will be worth it.

If you're able to donate, no matter how big or small, I would be so grateful. Thank you for supporting me, supporting Colostomy UK, and helping to make sure nobody has to face life with a stoma on their own.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. ❤️