I’m proud to be running the London Marathon to raise £2,500 for Crohn’s & Colitis UK — a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart. I’m one of over 500,000 people in the UK living with a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and like so many others, my journey to a diagnosis was long, distressing, and far from straightforward.

Shortly after having my first child, while adjusting to the challenges of being a new mum, I began experiencing frightening symptoms. I was already navigating the emotional and physical demands of being a new mum, but underneath it all, I was absolutely terrified about my health. It took over a year of pushing for answers before I was finally diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. A diagnosis that should have come much sooner was delayed by a widespread lack of awareness — even among medical professionals.

This experience made me realise how many people live with these conditions in silence. Bowel disease is still surrounded by stigma, and too many suffer alone out of fear or embarrassment. That’s why I’m running — not just for my own journey, but for the thousands of others facing Crohn’s or Colitis without the understanding, support, or visibility they deserve.

Every donation, no matter how small, helps fund life-changing research, raise awareness, and offer hope to those living with these invisible illnesses. Thank you so much for supporting me on this journey!