Over the next year I'll be rising to a new challenge each month to raise money for GUTS UK, who fund research into the whole digestive system; guts, liver and pancreas. They aim to provide expert information, raise awareness and fund life-saving and life-changing research for the millions who suffer with digestive disorder and disease, a widely underfunded, undervalued and understaffed area of health. This is important not only so more efficient treatments are available, but also so patients understand their own options and can make the best decisions for their health, their bodies and their whole lives.

My ultimate challenge is a hike to Everest Base Camp in October. I have to raise £4650 for GUTS UK to get there, £3720 of which by July! In the months leading up to it, and afterwards, I'll face a different challenge to keep up the fundraising momentum. 

I haven't got all my challenges set in stone yet, the unpredictability of what each month will bring due to the pandemic makes it difficult to make plans but if there is something you would like to see me do - however testing - please let me know! 

However, I can tell you..

January : NO SUGAR WILL PASS THY LIPS 

February : 5K EVERY DAY 

March/April/May/June : Depending on the situation with travel, I intend to Climb Ben Nevis, Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, cook a Nepalese Feast (or Take Away) at my pub, The Yeoman and to Wild Swim Every Day.

July :

August :

September :

October : CLIMB TO EVEREST BASE CAMP!!

November : Sleep for a month? Only joking..

December :

Again - any ideas for the other months - shoot 'em over, I'm all ears/eyes! I'll update this page as I confirm the challenges.

 2020 was quite the year wasn't it, and it helped me put into perspective what is important to me and to really feel gratitude for the health that we have. It also reminded me that we're able to rise to challenges that seem impossible beforehand. Hence me doing this now!

Most of you will know that I have Crohn's Disease and I've been through a number of really testing times with my health. I've endured lengthy hospital stays, had 7 surgeries and been on more medications than I could list - at one point I was taking 64 tablets every day. This journey will never end - this illness is with me for life - and I never know what may come next but knowing amazing charities like GUTS UK are doing the amazing work they are doing, gives me so much hope for the future.

Living with a Digestive Disease is a challenge, and it brings new challenges every day. But one of the hardest of them all, is seeking help - over 50% of people suffering with digestive symptoms delay seeking help for more than 6 months. Now, with a pandemic sweeping the world from its tracks, people are ignoring other health problems in the hope that they'll go away and to avoid putting more pressure on the NHS more than ever. Covid-19 isn't slowing the progression of these diseases so it's important not to slow this research - or stop raising awareness and breaking the taboo. 

This cause is as vital as any and I can tell you first hand not just as someone with a Digestive Disease, but both of my parents too - this research is so important because more effective treatments and a better understanding of digestive health is really needed. There are so many people suffering due to a lack of understanding about these diseases.

Yep - this isn't just about me and my family - Digestive Disease is a factor in the death of 1 in 8 people in the UK. Thats huge!

Please help me support this fantastic charity doing fantastic work that I feel passionately about. It saves lives - saved my life, and my Mums - and it could save yours too. 

2021 IS THE YEAR TO BREAK THE POO TABOO AND GET TO GRIPS WITH OUR GUTS!

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