Tuesday May 19th is World IBD day. The day is to raise global awareness for those who suffer from Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. I have Crohn's Disease. That's no secret.

I have been keeping my recent flare up quiet because I find it embarrassing to have to explain my range of symptoms and I never want to worry anyone. Over the last few months I've struggled to stay awake at work. I've had days of constant diarrhoea and stomach pains. I've had joint pain, mouth ulcers and skin rashes.

Crohn's & Colitis UK are a charity that supports fellow suffers with a telephone line, information packs and support groups. They also fundraise for research into the disease and they pay for specialist nurses in hospitals around the UK. The nurses at North Tees Hospital are my support network. They are there for me the minute I have any kind of problem and they understand every aspect of what I'm experiencing. I'm fundraising as a way to say thank you to them - Sue, Lindsay, Sarah and Mel.

On Tuesday 19th May, I will be walking 10km. Arlo and my Mum are biking the same 10km. We'll be doing this around my normal working day so half of the walk will happen before work and half after. To end the day I'll be hosting a purple quiz! I've set the target at £100, £10 for each kilometer, but hopefully we can raise much more! Hope to see you at the quiz!!!