The three of us are running the Leeds Marathon on Sunday 12 May 2024 in support of our friends and family who are currently living with Crohn’s and Colitis.

We have chosen this charity because a dear colleague at work, who suffers from Colitis, is currently in hospital after having surgery to remove her colon and has been fitted with a permanent ileostomy. We thought running the marathon is a great opportunity to raise awareness of this condition.

For those of you that don't know much about Crohn’s and Colitis, Claire’s sister in law, Jo (Alvy) has kindly shared her experience of how Colitis has affected her.

"My journey began in January 2021 when I thought I had a bad stomach bug. By February 21, where spent 5 weeks in hospital going through various test and treatments before ultimately being diagnosed with Ultrative Colitis.

My flares have always been rapidly onset and severe, and after several failed medical treatments I had emergency surgery in July 22 to remove my large bowel and form my ileostomy (Stoma). However this was not the end, the disease had not given up and by September 22 was acutely attacking my rectum. Due to several anaphylaxes reactions to medical treatments the only option was for me to have a further gruelling 9hr surgery to remove my rectum and anus in July 23.

For me it hasn't stopped there, having one autoimmune disease has then triggered several other autoimmune diseases within in my body, basically my body is constantly fighting with itself defending against something that isn't really there. Leaving me currently physically unable to join in with many activities, struggling to work and spend quality time with my family.

I have a long road of recovery ahead of me and I am eternally grateful for the support I have received from my family, friends, medical professionals, Crohns and Colitis UK and the entire autoimmune community.

Without the support of forums and groups provided by Crohns and Colitis UK and Colostomy UK, I would not have found the vast community who understand what life is like on a daily basis for me.

Finally a big Thank you to my sister in law Claire, Louise and Helen for running this marathon on the behalf of our whole community, Raising awareness, alongside the constant ongoing research and development for future generations is vital".

We would love it if you were able to sponsor us to raise money for further research and treatments for this condition and show support for everyone who is currently suffering from Crohn’s and Colitis.

Thank you so much!

Helen, Louise and Claire