Earlier this year I committed myself to running a Half Marathon to raise money for a charity close to my heart, Crohn's & Colitis UK.

Right now, over 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong
disease that many people have never heard of.

I am hoping to raise £1000 through your support, by sponsoring me to take part in the 2022 Royal Parks Half Marathon on 9th October. Your donation can help Crohn's & Colitis UK's mission to improve diagnosis and treatment; to fund research and to raise awareness.

My personal connection to this charity comes from my brilliant brother Tom being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2016, here are a few words from the man himself to give you an idea of what the condition is like, and how your generous donations will impact his and many other people's lives for the better...

"I was diagnosed in 2016 with Ulcerative Colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease. I experienced significant bowel problems along with fatigue and joint pains which led to several lengthy periods off work in the first years, and eventually transitioned to working part-time whilst recieving treatments at hospital to help control the condition. Through this time Crohn's and Colitis UK were a lifeline, providing me with so much information on the condition, treatments I was recieving, and advice on living with the condition. Their phoneline support in particular was really helpful in supporting me through changing treatments and side effects from treatments.

The charity was also a way to meet others with my condition - with the Walk It event in London helping me realise there were many others in a similar position to me. The resources and events they provide really helped reduce frustration and feelings of isolation during flare-ups and tough times.

I'm now working part-time in a different job with much less travel and less physical requirements to help manage my condition, and the infusion treatments I am recieving have improved my health-life balance significantly since 2019!

The work the charity does on spreading the message on invisible illnesses to businesses, employers and the public is great - and the resources they provide to those suffering from IBD are invaluable. The research they help drive is important too - to continue to improve the lives of those with the condition, and ultimately seek a cure.

Back to Josh now..."

However big or small your donation, it will make a huge difference to so many lives in the UK!

If you'd like to cheer me on at the Half Marathon on 9th October, please do get in touch!

Thank you and God bless!