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We're fundraising money for Crohn's and Colitis UK (NACC). My boyfriend, George suffered with chronic ulcerative colitis for two years resulting in a year of 3 major operations, the last in May 2014. Nearly a year on and he's slowly getting back in shape. 

Before George, I knew absolutely nothing about ulcerative colitis and it's opened my eyes to how a chronic illness can affect you. I watched George go through surgery with such humbleness and without complaining. The surgery was long and grueling, not something many 20 odd year old's want to go through and he is still recovering.

George has inspired me to not only raise money but also to raise awareness of inflammatory bowel diseases, something I am learning more and more about each day. 

All donations are gratefully appreciated. 

On 3rd May I'm running the 5K Color Run in Edinburgh.

On 31st May I'll be running the Edinburgh Half Marathon. 

Emily.

Update: 09/04/15

I've since decided to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon with Emily - in support of NACC. The run will take place 1 year on from the last of 3 operations that I had over the course of last year, so I'm celebrating by choosing to endure a 13 mile slog around Edinburgh.

I'll spare the minor details of the procedure, but for the less squeamish - a quick search of the internet for j pouch surgery should clear anything up. Colitis as a disease is unpredictable, debilitating and in many cases drug resistant. As much as I'd have loved to find a way to overcome it, 2 years of failed treatment resulted in the removal of my colon in september 2013 - with a temporary ileostomy and J-pouch constructed. In normal terms, I spent 9 months with a stoma whilst a colon replacement was made inside. Which leads to now, where I am free of colitis and more or less over what has been a difficult few years.

I'm grateful to have had an amazing surgeon and support to help me along the way. For many living with Crohn's or Colitis, surgery is not an option and they are left to battle nasty symptoms with medications that can be ineffective and accompanied by unpleasant side effects. 

There is currently no cure which is worsened by a lack of clinical understanding behind what causes the disease. We're hoping to raise awareness whilst also gathering donations that will go towards NACC research funding and support for what is becoming an increasingly common disease. 

George.