As many of you will have heard, it has been another trying year for the Southgates on the medical front.  In May 2017, Bertie developed symptoms of, and in October was diagnosed with, Ulcerative Colitis. After many months of doctors' appointments, numerous different drugs, a week in hospital and thousands of trips to the loo, the consultants at the John Radcliffe felt that there was nothing more that could be done medically and the best way forward was to remove Bertie's colon.  The doctors and nurses at the JR gave us wonderful support through the whole process.

He had the operation in April 2018 at the Churchill and was discharged ten days later complete with stoma bag.  After a further ten days at home he returned to school and having missed a term he threw himself back into life, catching up on missed work and getting back on the cricket pitch.  Bertie still has frequent visits to the doctors but has shown immense strength throughout this time, taking each day as it comes and never losing his smile.  Simon and I are so proud of him.

Whist Bertie was ill, we received lots of help and advice from Crohns and Colitis UK who provided answers to the hundreds of questions we wanted to ask. They give fantastic support for people affected by these diseases helping them achieve a better quality of life and are ultimately trying to find a cure. 

Late one night last summer Bertie's godmother, Sally Harrison, and I had the mad idea of running the London Marathon not really believing that we would be able to secure spaces but here we are!  Neither of us have done much more than run for bus before so completing 26 miles will be the ultimate challenge.  We would love it if you would be able to sponsor us and help us raise much needed money for Crohns and Colitis UK and for people who have to endure this disease like Bertie.

Many thanks.