We are two working, busy mums who enjoy running and raising money for charity.  When we were offered a charity place with Crohn's and Colitis, we couldn't say no. The furthest we have ever ran is a half marathon so this really is a tough challenge for us. 

Crohn's and Colitis UK are a charity very close to our hearts. 

I (Kelly) and my sister Natalie have lived with Crohn's for over 20 years. Back then, little was known about it, and it took a very long time for us both to be diagnosed. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease.  It is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can be managed with medication, dietary changes but often major operations.  Symptoms can vary from person to person and that is reflected in us.  I live my life relatively normal. I have been on steroids and immunosuppressant medication in the past but that started to affect my blood count.  I have active disease with parts of my bowel that have strictures/damaged and can never be repaired. A flare up can happen at any time with no warning and other symptoms that just niggle away such as extreme fatigue, mouth ulcers and eye problems to name a few. I am trying to avoid medication as that comes with a lot of side effects/risks and have volunteered to take part in a research study that is being funded by the charity. One of the many great things that they do.

On the extreme opposite is my little sister.  She has tried every drug going.  She has been under palliative care with Roxborough for many years now and endured many stays there. On more than one occasion they have told us there is nothing more than they can do for her but she keeps on fighting.  We really don’t know how long she has left. She has been bedridden for years now, in constant pain and on multiple pain relief and sickness drugs.  She obtains her food and nutrients (TPN) via a PICC line. 

Natalie had her whole large bowel removed and a permanent stoma fitted when she was just 18, followed by various other major operations that left her with the minimal amount of bowel survivable.  She has many inoperable fistulas one of which is now so large, requires a stoma type bag and a drain fitted to it.  A fistula is where a small tunnel from your bowel opens up onto your skin and exudates from your bowel pour onto the skin.  1 in 3 people with Crohn’s will experience this and most of the time, they can be treated.

We are passionate about raising awareness but also hope one day they will find a cure.

.…A bit about the charity

Crohn’s & Colitis UK’ is the leading charity in the UK for Crohn's and Colitis, who's main goal is to improve the lives of those living with these, often invisible, inflammatory conditions. 

They aim to break taboos, drive pioneering research, bring people together, and campaign to improve lives.  

Right now, over 500,000 people in the UK are living with Crohn’s or Colitis.  You can be any age, rich or poor, any faith or ethnicity.  You could be anyone walking down any UK street and whoever you are, a diagnosis of either disease could be life changing.  Since 1979 the charity has been here for everyone affected by these diseases.

• 1 in 2 adults do not know the symptoms of Crohn’s or Colitis.
• More than half a million people in the UK live with Crohn’s or Colitis. But for many, it’s taking too long to be diagnosed.
• 4 in 10 people end up in A&E with symptoms before being diagnosed.
• 1 in 4 people waited more than a year to be diagnosed.
• 2 in 5 people living with Crohn’s or Colitis said their condition stopped them reaching their full potential at work

So together let’s beat the stigma, cut the crap and help raise awareness, earlier diagnosis and hopefully one day find a cure for these horrible diseases.

Thanks for reading and please see the charity website for more information along with a symptom checker.  

Crohn's & Colitis UK (crohnsandcolitis.org.uk)

Kel & Kaz xx