On March 17th 2018 at 10.30am I will attempt to run (walk/ crawl) the Mullingar Half Marathon. I will be running it to raise funds for Mullingar Hospital MRI fund and also Crohn's Society Ireland. The 17th of March 2018 marks exactly 6 months since I got home from hospital following a major surgery. I underwent a Bowel Resection, where I had 35 cms of my bowel removed including the removal of the illeocecal valve.

In 2004 I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system in which there is no cure.  Over time, the inflammation that is caused by Crohn's disease can damage sections of the digestive system, causing additional complications, such as narrowing of the colon.

The symptom’s I live with daily are;

·         Weightloss

·         Weightgain when on steroids

·         Severe Diarrhoea

·         Abdominal pain

·         Severe Fatigue

There are also many serious side effects to the medication that I would have taken over the years. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Around 20,000 people in Ireland suffer from this debilitating Disease. Up until my operation I had been quite private about my disease as the symptom’s are embarrassing to talk about. Because the disease is hidden you might not look sick so it can be very hard to explain to people how unwell you are as you look okay. But for me now I think speaking openly about it may help somebody else. As a busy mum of two it can be hard at times to manage my diasease, work and homelife but I am lucky to have great support from my husband, family and friends.

I underwent the surgery in Mullingar hospital and the care I received was outstanding. I am very lucky to have the ongoing care of my GP Dr. Moira Fagan, Dr. Kirca (Gastro consultant) and Mr. Toomey (Surgical Consultant) and the rock that holds it all together in my hospital life Zena, the IBD nurse. They are the reason why I am doing this. Having the MRI scanner onsite would make such a difference to their patients.

Training so far has had its ups and downs but I am determined to complete the race. I am asking you to please support me and this cause.