Guts & Grit: My London Marathon Odyssey for Crohn's & Colitis UK

Get ready for a story about guts – both the literal kind that Crohn's disease loves to torment, and the figurative kind that's propelling me to take on the epic challenge of the London Marathon on Sunday 21st April.

For those who haven't met my unwelcome companion, Crohn's, it's a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that's as unpredictable as it is unpleasant. Think stomach cramps so intense they could win an arm wrestle, bathroom breaks that rival coffee shop loyalty programs, and a constant dance with fatigue that would make even sloths jealous.

But here's the thing: Crohn's may try to dim my light, but it can't extinguish my fire. That's why I'm lacing up my trainers and hitting the pavement – not just to conquer 26.2 miles of London streets, but to raise vital funds for Crohn's & Colitis UK.

Crohn's & Colitis UK is more than just a charity; it's a lifeline. They offer unwavering support to thousands living with these invisible illnesses, funding crucial research that gives us hope for a cure, and advocating for better healthcare and understanding.

So, with every agonizing step, every bead of sweat, I'm pushing not just my own limits, but the boundaries of what's possible for people with Crohn's. Imagine your donation propelling groundbreaking research, providing vital support services, or empowering patients to fight for their rights. That's the kind of impact you can make.

But this isn't just about me. It's about the millions battling Crohn's and Colitis every day. It's about showing them that we're not alone, that we can laugh in the face of flare-ups, and that even the toughest marathons can be conquered with a gut full of grit and a heart full of hope.

Join me on this journey, be my virtual cheer squad, and help me illuminate the lives of others impacted by Crohn's and Colitis. Together, we can run towards a brighter future, one painful step, one generous donation, one shared laugh at the absurdity of it all at a time.

The UK’s leading charity for Crohn’s and Colitis.

Right now, an estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease that many people have never heard of. And the real number could be almost double that.

Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence.

But they’re not alone.

We’re working to improve diagnosis and treatment, and to fund research into a cure; to raise awareness and to give people hope, comfort and confidence to live freer, fuller lives.