We’re 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.

Many of you won’t know that I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 2 years ago, this is a unknown illness for many people and is an extremely debilitating illness and can without treatment be extremely serious.

I have been an active member of the Crohn’s and Colitis Charity for most of those 2 years and a member of the document review panel to approve documents and associated information relating to the treatment and identification of both Crohn’s and Colitis.

For the first time in those two years I feel I’m well enough to attempt the Crohn’s and Colitis 31 day Challenge (will be active for 31 Minutes every day in January) this may not seem a lot to some people but trust me being active for 31 mins has been a real challenge since I was diagnosed. I have set my bike up on a set of indoor rollers and have an active Zwift Account so for most days the indoor bike will be my preferred mode of exercise (too cold and wet for outdoors) , however the 31 min challenge can be completed by any other method of exercise such as walking, yoga, going to a Gym (Not for me Yet!) and swimming.

As part of my treatment I currently endure 4 weekly blood tests and an IV infusion (which lasts over 2 hours in a local hospital) of a Biological Medication which basically wipes out my immune system which obviously leads to being prone to picking up further infections and unable to fight those infections, this has resulted in a serious ear infection this year which has lead to me becoming deaf in my Right Ear and losing most of the ear drum as a result, luckily at the moment my Colitis is well controlled but could relapse at any time – I will have to be particularly careful over the festive period too many sweets, cream, alcohol and fatty rich food may cause a relapse – not saying I won’t enjoy the festive break just need to be careful.

Realise of course that costs are tight at this time of the year but this charity means a lot to me (Help for Heroes being the other one well after 30 years in the RAF was only fair I support that one) – might not be here if it wasn’t for the help and counselling advice and swift treatment I got after being diagnosed from the IBS Nurses and the Gastro Medical Team.

The charity have set up a Funding Page on Facebook, if you could spare even a small amount would be appreciated: