I completed the Great North Run (GNR) in 2006 and had a place for 2007 but was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and too ill to take part.  I spent the next few years on and off steriods trying to get the Crohn's under control.  In September 2010, 28 weeks pregnant at the time, my world fell apart as my bowel perforated and I was rushed in for emergency surgery.  They didn't know if I would survive and while I was asleep in intensive care I gave birth to stillborn baby boy.  I spent a week in intensive care and 4.5 months in hospital.  I had become so weak and lost so much weight I only weighed 32 kg (5 stone) and could not do anything for myself.  I had to learn to walk again firstly with a frame and then sticks.  I had many dark days where I couldn't see a way out but then I thought I can sit here and never escape or try and do something about it.  The physio gave me a bike that I could use while sitting in a chair or on the end of a bed and I started to try and do a few minutes each day.  My husband also brought in hand weights and resistance bands to help me with exercises I could do whilst in the bed.  I got discharged from hospital in Jan 11 but then had further surgery to my bowel and had my gallbladder removed in June 2011.  I tried to get stronger doing as much walking as I could and in November 2011 I managed to return to work part-time.  Over the last 2 years I have been getting stronger going to the gym, swimming and doing combat classes.  But it isn't just the physical battle I have had to contend with as I am pretty mentally scarred from all the trauma.  I saw a psychologist for over a year who really helped me on my journey.  On my to do list after being so ill was to be a Mum and do the GNR.  In September 2013 my husband and I adopted a beautiful girl, so I guess that just leaves the GNR.    So this year here I am.  

I hope this will inspire others to never give up on your dreams, keep fighting and stay determined......... you can get there!