In 2019, my Dad was diagnosed with Crohns at the at the age of 58. He has since had to undergo an Ileostomy in 2023 to manage the chronic condition as no medication was working. An Ileostomy involves life changing surgery to create a stoma on the outside of his stomach.

Day to day life is pretty ‘normal’ to the people who don’t know him. But it’s changed his life completely and he now has to deal with the symptoms that shouldn’t be anything taboo, or embarrassing, but often are. From having to defend himself using a disabled toilet in the supermarket, to being selective about what he eats at home and in restaurants, to being searched and questioned at the airport, Dad now has to adjust things daily in his routine and manage living with a stoma, and a bag, to which he struggles with behind the scenes everyday. Crohn’s flare ups can often involve severe pain, hospital admissions and significant weight loss.

My Dad’s future daughter in law, Liv, Bobby and I have signed up for the Paris Marathon to raise money for Crohns & Colitis UK. They work to improve diagnosis and treatment, and to fund research into a cure; to raise awareness and to give people hope, comfort and confidence to live freer, fuller lives.

Whenever Dad talks about his condition, he only ever wants to raise awareness for everyone, particularly all the young people, suffering with the disease and how they should, and can, live a normal life without stigma, judgement or embarrassment. My dad never lets anyone see his pain and he’s truely an inspiration to everyone who knows him 💗

We will be running (or atleast definitely trying to) the Paris Marathon in April 2025 and would love to raise as much money as possible for an amazing cause who support people suffering with Crohns and Colitis.

Thank you to everyone who supports him, who doesn’t make having Crohns or needing access to a toilet an awkward conversation and who doesn’t see him any differently.