My sister (Lucy) was eventually diagnosed with Crohn's disease about 6 years ago (having suffered for years before a diagnosis). She's since gone through numerous treatments - most of which have been pretty unpleasant - and had major surgery to remove a section of her intestines last year. She recovered well from the surgery but we’ve recently discovered it hasn’t worked and she’ll have to go back for more drastic surgery within in the next couple of months. Even if the next surgery is a success, she’ll have to deal with challenges, drugs and diets and the prospect of the disease recurring for the rest of her life. There is no cure.

As terrible as it is, Lucy's story isn't unique. Over 115,000 people in the UK alone are affected by Crohn's disease and it’s still a relatively unknown disease. Crohn's and Colitis UK is the UK’s leading charity in the battle against Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and other forms of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). They work to make life better for the 300,000 people in the UK affected by these conditions and this includes providing frontline support, campaigning, funding research and much more.

Help us improve lives now and lead the mission to find a cure.