Frome boys’ Jurassic challenge for Crohn’s & Colitis UK

TWO local boys have set themselves the challenge to run 10km as part of the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge next month, to raise money and awareness for the charity Crohn’s & Colitis UK.

Elliot Luke, pictured above left, and his best friend Harrison Collier, who both attend Selwood Academy, will be joined by Elliot’s aunt, Katie Knott, and his mother Sarah, starting at Bridport. They want to raise money for the charity that has helped Elliot since he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in January.

Sarah explained, “Crohn’s disease falls under Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) a term which also includes ulcerative colitis, which is similar. IBD is genetic, and his auntie Katie, who will also be taking part in the challenge, has ulcerative colitis and his uncle also has Crohn’s.

“Elliot was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the end of January, after several months of being unwell and having various tests and procedures.

“It is  a lifelong condition, which is managed by medication and surgery, but finding the right treatment that is best suited for an individual person can be tricky and take time, there’s no straightforward solution.”

Sarah says that Crohn’s & Colitis UK have provided essential help to Elliot following his diagnosis.

“Crohn’s & Colitis UK do amazing work for people with the disease,” she explained. “When Elliot was first diagnosed, this charity was recommended as a valuable resource by one of the many amazing consultants he’s been treated by.

“Crohn’s disease impacts life on a daily basis. Before diagnosis, Elliot’s symptoms meant he spent a lot of time stuck in the house, unable to go to school and see his friends. Medications that he needs to take can have some unpleasant side effects and symptoms can return if the treatment plan he’s on isn’t right for him.

“But Elliot’s courage and resilience in the face of this disease has been incredible and we weren’t at all surprised when he noticed the flyer for the Ultra Challenge Series in our Crohn’s & Colitis UK welcome pack, and immediately decided he wanted to take part and help others.

“When word got around that Elliot was taking on this challenge, one of his best friends, Harrison Collier, who has known Elliot since they started Hayesdown First School together, decided that he wanted to join Elliot to support him, and in preparation for their 10km they go training by running regularly together.

“We are really proud of Elliot, he has taken on every obstacle he’s faced with determination, and has a positive attitude, which inspires everyone around him every day. It’s important for us and him to be open about his condition for it not to become an invisible illness that he should deal with alone, and the support he’s had fundraising so far for this challenge has been overwhelming. We are so grateful for everyone who donates; it’s really spurred Elliot on, and he’s so excited about being part of the challenge and supporting this incredible charity.”

For more than 30 years, Crohn’s & Colitis UK has been leading research activities that build evidence and create insight into the lived experiences, causes, and best treatments of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Their aim is to use research to create evidence that improves the lives of people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis and, ultimately, to find a cure.

If you would like to support their fundraising efforts, visit https://shorturl.at/qMTY8 or scan the QR code.