In 2005, Richard was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Given some medication, he carried on with life, but a few months later was taken into hospital with his first acute flare up. 7 weeks later he came out without a colon and with his first stoma. Since then there have been 5 further major surgeries - most recently in January 2016, a whole load of minor surgeries, drugs, pain tears and heartache.

Now recovered from January's surgery, Richard, his wife Donna, their son Jonah and his father Graham and mother Joy are going to walk 5 kilometres around Rutland Water on Sunday 1st May. You can find out more about the event at https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/walk-it-rutland

Crohn's & Colitis UK is the UK's leading charity in the fight against Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease, working to make life better for the 300,000 people in the UK with inflammatory bowel disease.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.