Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On the 27th May 2023 I will be running the London to Brighton 100k ultra marathon in support of Crohn’s and Colitis UK! After seeing one of my best friends battle through this chronic illness for the last 3 years, the decision to do this run was an easy one for me and to do it for this charity makes it even more special.  

At times when I watched so much get taken away in so little time, I had no doubt that the strength was there in order to get through anything.  The little things in life became so so special.  

What you have been through the last couple of years is something that I don’t think anyone saw coming and no one should ever have to go through, yet you have proved yourself to everyone. Not only this but you have done it with a smile on your face no matter what you knew was coming next, even if I saw that over a FaceTime call in hospital.

I have never seen anyone as strong as you Amy and the way you have pushed through has been the most inspirational thing to watch for everyone around you.  No matter what it took you were willing to give it all you had to get there, nothing was ever too much for you.  From moments where you were fighting for your life to seeing you take it right back, I couldn’t be more proud that things are on the way up and to see you thriving is more than I could ever wish for.

You make life that little more precious, and I want to show you just how proud I am of you.  From watching your journey you’ve shown me how much I took for granted and just how precious life really is.  We never know what is around the corner.  You inspire me everyday and you don’t even know it and I have never been so proud to call someone a best friend.

Although this will most likely be the hardest thing I have and will ever do, this is nothing in comparison to the daily challenges that people suffering from this have to go through.  We don’t realise what we have until its taken from us, which is why i am taking on a challenge like this.

It would mean so much if you are able to donate anything, however big or small it will make a huge difference. 

This one’s for you McArthur xxxx

Amy’s story:

Hi I’m Amy! I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2020 where after 2 weeks of failed treatments and severe symptoms I had emergency surgery to have my entire large bowel removed and an ileostomy formed. This had to be redone due to a twisted bowel and i also developed sepsis due to an infected picc line which was my only source of nutrition. After 6 weeks of being extremely ill I was eventually allowed home where I worked hard to regain weight and strength after severe malnourishment.

In September 2021 I opted to have an ileostomy reversal. This is typically done in 2 parts where a j-pouch is formed and my ileostomy was made internal so I was going to the toilet normally and my bag would be gone! 

This unfortunately was very complicated and throughout the reversal process I was in and out of hospital constantly with long admissions, I had a total of 14 surgeries due to complications, multiple NG tubes, 2 more episodes of sepsis, my bladder started failing, my kidney was damaged, multiple fistulas and abcesses, and after 3 months of my j-pouch not working properly and endless pain, eventually a new permanent ileostomy was formed after being in hospital for 6 weeks and a colectomy was done which has made my ostomy bag permanent. 

This was all very unexpected as I was a perfect candidate for a reversal and all through the process no specialist could work out why my complications were happening and all the doctors and my surgeon was flummoxed!!

Furthermore throughout this whole process I have had severe wound complications where they have broken down and caused fistulas and abcesses. Recently I’ve been diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum, a rare skin disease which is the cause of al this. I am currently being treated for this and hoping it will improve soon! 

Millie had been such a support through my whole journey and has provided laughs in the darkest times and has really been a rock for me. This is such an amazing thing she is doing and donating to the cause would mean the world to both of us. Also if anyone has any questions for me about IBD or my journey feel free to ask on my instagram @amyz.fitness xxxxxx