Melissa's Story:

As a sufferer myself of Ulcerative Colitis I have raised £1000's already for Crohn’s & Colitis UK, who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by these often misunderstood diseases. With an estimated 500,000 people in the UK living with Crohn’s and Colitis, and the real number potentially even higher due to stigma and misunderstanding, their mission is clear; strive to improve diagnosis, treatment, and fund research for a cure.

I was diagnosed around 16 years ago now. It doesn't matter how fit or healthy I keep myself, there is nothing I can do to rid my body of this disease inside me. My immune system attacks itself, that's my superpower ;-).

5 years ago now my disease was raging out of control and making me quite poorly, the oral meds I had been taking were not working for me anymore. That was when I was started on the regular infliximab infusions. Every 6 weeks I go to hospital and have my 'loopy juice' pumped straight into my veins. It has been a game changer for me in keeping my condition under control and keeping me feeling well - fit enough to be able to do my job.

When your digestive system doesn't work properly your body doesn't always take in nutrients as it should. Sometimes I might also have a bag of iron pumped into my veins as well as my usual infusion. The lack of nutrient absorption means that sufferers of Crohn's or Colitis are also more likely to get osteoarthritis....this was what led me to having both my hips replaced at the age of 46.

I consider myself lucky. There are many sufferers far worse than me. The meds might not be doing the job for them and for many it means surgery.

I'm so grateful to the IBD department at KGH for looking after me, they do an amazing job!!

I ran the London marathon for Crohns & Colitis in 2021 - this was my first ever marathon and I fully committed myself to training and fundraising. I ran so fast that I qualified for a 'good for age' space in the 2022 London Marathon. I had no idea I was going to be having my hips replaced that year!

May 2022 - Right hip replaced

Oct 2022 - Ran 2nd London Marathon

Oct 2022 - just 3 weeks later I had my left hip replaced!

I still had strong muscles in my left leg when I ran the second marathon, that's what got me through! Now my muscles in both legs have been sliced by the surgeon. Running doesn't come easy any more!

During 2023 my running was plagued by injuries as my body adjusted to having new hips. It's took a long time for them to settle in properly and for me to be able to walk, let alone run, without a limp.

That's brings us up to 2024...Now my hips are more settled I am retraining for distance and endurance - rebuilding those muscles in my legs again.

Once again I have decided to run a marathon to fundraise for Crohns & Colitis UK............actually Dave and I have decided to run TWO!!..That's one for each hip! lol

We are participating in the Berlin Marathon 2024 on September 29th and also the New York Marathon on Nov 3rd 2024. In between these two marathons we are also running the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday 13th Oct.

Our target amount is £1,200. Your generous support will help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by Crohn’s and Colitis. Help fund more research into the meds like I have, and also research into one day hopefully finding a cure.

Thank you for reading x x