Harrow (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A 27-year-old man from Harrow will run a half marathon this October, raising vital funds for Crohn’s & Colitis UK in support of those living with the condition.
At the age of 16, Jamie from Harrow received a diagnosis of colitis, an incurable intestinal illness that produces severe and permanent symptoms. Since then, he has experienced dreadful sepsis episodes, numerous hospital stays, and significant operations.
Jamie now lives with a permanent stoma bag after having surgery earlier this year to remove his j-pouch.
Despite the challenges, he is determined to raise awareness and inspire others. He said:
“This run is for every single person who feels like they’re fighting alone. It’s to show that even after everything — there’s still strength, hope, and a way forward in life with a stoma and things do get better.”
On his fundraising page, Jamie explained the difficult journey he has faced over the past decade. He wrote:
“Being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at just 16 changed my life completely. From that young age, I was thrown into a world of pain, hospital visits, and huge life decisions most people my age never had to think about.
Over the years, I’ve been through multiple major surgeries in an attempt to manage my condition. I’ve fought through complications, repeated episodes of sepsis, and mental health struggles that at times felt impossible to get through.
After everything I’ve faced — the setbacks, the exhaustion, the emotional toll — I made the decision to go for a permanent stoma 2 months ago after having my j-pouch removed and a big scare over the past year.
This has truly been the longest, toughest chapter I’ve ever experienced. A journey full of ups and downs. The past couple of weeks post-op haven’t been easy. I’ve had more challenges than I expected — but I’m recovering well, and I’m finally turning a corner after having surgery in April. This has hands down been the toughest and most mentally challenging period of my life, but through it all, I’ve grown stronger in ways I never imagined. I am incredibly grateful and proud, which has given me a second chance at life.
If this story reaches even one person struggling silently, I hope it brings comfort and hope. Let’s break the stigma around stomas, around chronic illness, and around what it means to live differently and being able to speak up.
I’ll be running a half marathon for Crohns & Colitis this October to help raise awareness for this awful condition and to support those who are still suffering.”
Jamie is now fundraising for Crohn’s & Colitis UK through his JustGiving page.
What inspired him to run despite living with an incurable illness?
The 27-year-old man from Harrow, Jamie, was inspired to run despite living with an incurable illness, ulcerative colitis, a form of Crohn’s disease because he wants to raise awareness and inspire others facing similar struggles. Diagnosed at just 16, Jamie has endured major surgeries, repeated hospital stays, and living with a permanent stoma bag.
Jamie’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, including managing the toughest and most mentally challenging chapter of his life recently after surgery. Despite the hardships, he views the half marathon as a symbol of resilience and a way to break the stigma surrounding chronic illness and stomas.
His determination is fueled by a desire to support others suffering from Crohn’s and colitis while showing that life can continue meaningfully even with a chronic illness.