Crohns and Colitis UK Community Champion! That’s me!

Oh blimey! I am so overwhelmed and proud to let you know that I am now one of Crohns and Colitis UK’s Community Champions.

“Crohn’s and Colitis UK’s close community is our biggest strength and we would not be able to continue our fight against Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) without the support of those who are making a huge difference to support the charity and the wider IBD community.

We are honoured to recognise several dedicated supporters as Community Champions, because of their dedication, passion and exceptional efforts. Community Champions do incredible work across the UK, they are campaigning to raise awareness in the media, striving to resolve stigma associated with bowel conditions, raising money that funds research, support lines and much more as well as volunteering to support their local community.”

I became a member of Crohns and Colitis UK shortly after I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis.  I had never even heard of the illness before the doctors told me I had it.  At first I was just relieved that I didn’t have bowel cancer, but then as I read up on it, I got pretty scared.  I searched the internet for answers and found some scary stories that made me feel worse than before, and then I found CCUK.

It was such a relief to find a website with all the information and support that I needed in one place, I used the forums and read up as much as I could.  Then when I had my surgery to remove my colon in 2013, I rediscovered the site and it was even better, there was a lot of information but it was easy to read and access.

Crohns and Colitis UK have done so much for me and I knew that I wanted to give something back, I am a member and would recommend it to anyone who has IBD or is a carer or family member, you can join from £15 a year, get a magazine, can’t wait card and a ton of support and your money goes to research, support and information, if you join in October, you get a free RADAR key).

Since then I have done fund raisers, joined my local branch and raised awareness of this amazing charity and I will always continue to do so.  To be made one of their community champions is a very proud day for me.

And I am in such amazing company too! Ellie Pugh is just 11 years old and has raised so much money for CCUK after being diagnosed herself, what an inspiration! My lovely friend Charlotte Guinea, who I met through our shared love of stopping poo being a taboo is also one of the Community Champions and of course, the wonderful Get Your Belly Out team.  Take a look at all the champions here.

I don’t do what I do for recognition, I do it because this is my life, I know how it feels to have IBD and face the uncertainties, fear and struggles of life with a lifelong, chronic illness.  I share my story because in my darkest days, I wish I could have read about someone else’s journey to give me hope that there is life after an IBD diagnosis.  But I am extremely proud, humbled and honoured to be part of something so special.

Thank you Crohns and Colitis UK, thank you

Sam xxx