Guys! I'm doing another marathon! Although this time it's of a slightly different sort...

In 2013 and again in 2014, I ran a marathon in support of my Dad's research into Crohn's disease at King's College London. In 2014, I broke my foot 8 miles in and (like the bloody-minded lunatic that I am!) I still managed to finish the race. Afterwards it was 9 weeks in a boot and then began a health problem of my own, which was eventually found to be a form of adrenal insufficiency/Addison's disease. Because of this, I am not really quite the same and, whilst I would never say never, my running shoes are for now firmly on the shelf.

So I am joining Sean's 'At Home for Crohn's' team and doing a movie marathon on Saturday 21st Nov. I will be watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy back to back... that over 11 hours of viewing!!! 

When I told my husband I would be doing this challenge, his first words were 'But you hate Lord of the Rings!!' 

*ducks for cover at cries of 'Heresy!' and 'Burn the witch!'... because I'm afraid to say this is true. Yes, yes I know it's a cult classic etc.*

And I replied 'Exactly!! Because it wouldn't be a challenge if it was just some cushy binge-watch of my favorite shows now, would it?!' 

But also, as a scientist, it's important always to be open to the fact that your hypothesis may be wrong and be prepared to be persuaded by new evidence. So who knows, perhaps I will change my mind...

About Crohn's Disease:

Crohn’s disease is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the digestive system. It affects around 4 million people worldwide (over a million in the USA and 250,000 in the UK). The numbers are also increasing, particularly amongst children. Around 80% percent of sufferers will require surgery at some point in their lives as a result of the disease. Even then, the crippling symptoms of stomach pain, bloody stools, fatigue, and extreme weight loss are likely to return. Currently, there is no cure. But there is hope.

About the research:

Researchers at Kings College London have developed a therapeutic vaccine designed to treat and prevent infection with a type of bacteria suspected as being the causative agent in Crohn’s disease. This bacteria is known as MAP. Following the success of safety trials of the vaccine in healthy people, a further trial in those suffering with Crohn’s disease is due to begin. Details of the trial can be found here: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN36126048 Donations are needed to complete work on a new MAP test that will be a vital part of these final trials. 

About 'At Home for Crohn's':

At Home for Crohn's is a fundraising drive created by Sean Young and Charlotte Redrup to help with the Kings College London Crohn's MAP Vaccine. 

In these uncertain times, it is difficult to join fundraising events such as fun runs or marathons, so we are doing marathons of a different type: movie marathons. Participants will be choosing at least three films to watch back to back that are connected in some way. For example, they may choose to watch all of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings extended DVDs, or you could watch all of the Star Wars trilogy. It’s up to you!

To set up a JustGiving page for your challenge, please see the instruction available here: http://www.crohnsmapvaccine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/How-to-be-a-Hero.v4.pdf

And don't forget to join this team. Good luck and have fun!

#athomeforcrohns

#crohnsmapvaccine