A 20-year-old man from Cardiff is setting out to run almost six marathons in January 2024, overcoming the challenges of living with an incurable bowel disease. Jaydon, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 12, spent more than a year in hospital as he battled debilitating symptoms that significantly impacted his childhood. His story highlights resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Jaydon’s struggle began when he experienced severe symptoms such as constant diarrhoea, painful bone pain, and extreme fatigue. These issues forced him to miss substantial amounts of school and participate in his beloved sports, including rugby and football. His time in the hospital was marked by extensive treatment aimed at understanding his condition. Reflecting on this period, Jaydon stated, “It massively impacted my childhood. I missed out on school and dealt with so many symptoms for ages that just made me feel really unwell.”
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Despite the setbacks, Jaydon has turned his life around. He now runs a successful car detailing and valeting business in Cardiff, which allows him to manage his health more flexibly. However, he acknowledges the ongoing challenges related to his condition, stating, “I’m now lucky to do a job that means I can be flexible and work around my health, but of course that also means I miss out when I’m going through a flare-up and am unable to work.”
Currently, Jaydon is on a waiting list for stoma surgery, a procedure that creates an artificial opening in the abdomen to divert waste into a collection bag. According to Crohn’s and Colitis UK, approximately one in five individuals diagnosed with Crohn’s undergo this surgery within five years, often leading to improved quality of life.
Raising Awareness Through Action
In an effort to raise awareness and funds for Crohn’s & Colitis UK, Jaydon has committed to the charity’s Big Winter Workout challenge. Throughout January, he plans to run 5 kilometers each day, accumulating a total of 155 miles. “I’m finally feeling healthier but still want to get fitter, so Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s Big Winter Workout challenge felt like a great fit,” he explained.
Jaydon aims not only to improve his fitness but also to educate others about the seriousness of Crohn’s disease. He expressed his desire to combat misconceptions surrounding the illness, stating, “I really want to raise money for the charity as I still think there’s a lot of misunderstanding about what Crohn’s is and just how serious it can be, and I want to raise awareness about that.” Crohn’s disease is characterized by inflammation in the gut, and symptoms can vary, with flare-ups lasting from a few days to several months.
As Jaydon prepares for his challenge, he serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that even in the face of chronic illness, it is possible to pursue one’s passions and contribute positively to society.
