Sometimes the biggest journeys start with the smallest of steps.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK is the leading UK charity for Crohn’s and colitis – a unique source of support and advocacy for people affected by the conditions. We’re working to improve diagnosis and treatment, fund research into finding a cure, raise awareness and give people hope and confidence to live freer, fuller lives.

Our cause is close to many people’s hearts, including James, whose mum passed away in 2019 after living with colitis for seven years.

Colitis is one of the two main forms of Inflammatory bowel disease, a lifelong disease of the gut, along with Crohn’s. These conditions are often invisible to the public but can be painful, debilitating and isolating to live with. Currently, there is no known cure.

It’s estimated that there are currently 500,000 people in the UK living with one of the conditions – and with a huge stigma attached to them it leaves many people feeling too ashamed or embarrassed to talk about it.

We are here to empower those to talk about their condition and support them through their journey. None of this would be possible without our tremendous fundraisers, such as our London Marathon runners.

Not only is running 26.2 miles a physical and mental challenge, it’s also a challenge of courage and heart to people like James who are running in memory of a loved one. James had promised his mum in 2017 that one day he would run the London Marathon for her.

In 2021, James was part of our awe-inspiring London Marathon team, running every stride for his mum who he describes as a “brilliant, strong woman and an amazing mother who gave me strength to be the best person possible.” James raised an amazing amount for Crohn’s & Colitis UK in the process.

Fundraising in memory of a loved one comes from a place of intense emotion and bravery and is such a special way to honour their memory and continue their legacy.

James says: “I have never felt so close to my mum, and she definitely carried me through miles 23 and 24!” James’ fundraising total of over £5,000 allows us to support those affected by the conditions in ways that will make such a difference, whether that’s funding vital research, being able to provide a helpline for those in need or creating our information publications that for some are a lifeline.

“During those 26.2 miles I saw many people – over 40,000 in fact”, continues James. “Each person was ever more different from the next, and so was their story. I feel honoured to have been able to experience the best marathon in the world and meet some truly inspirational people along the way.”

All our supporters live and breathe our values of ‘Ambitious’, ‘Compassionate’ and ‘Stronger Together’ to create our thriving Crohn’s and Colitis community. To join our 2022 TCS London Marathon team, click here.