Leigh Takes on Ipswich Half Marathon After Battle With Crohn's Disease

Leigh is running the Ipswich half marathon this year to raise money for Crohn’s & Colitis UK after his own struggle with Crohn’s disease. 

After being diagnosed with Crohn’s in February 2023 following a sudden and painful health crisis and a two-week stay in Ipswich Hospital, Leigh was left uncertain as to what the future would look like living with a chronic illness. 

“Crohn’s disease doesn’t just affect your digestive system – it affects your confidence, your plans, and the way you see yourself” 

The recovery was long and slow, leaving Leigh tired and weak, unsure of how to get back to “normal”. But somewhere along the way, he realised that normal didn’t mean going back – it could mean going forward. 

Prior to his diagnosis, running had been a big part of Leigh’s life, having previously been running regular 10Ks. The build-up was slow after his recovery, but he is now strong enough to do his first half marathon in Ipswich on the 21st of September to push him harder than anything he has done before. 

Leigh is running to show that living with a disability or chronic illness doesn’t mean giving up on goals, dreams, or challenges, but rather adapting, fighting back, and moving forward “one step at a time”. 

He is raising money got Crohn’s & Colitis UK, a charity that supports those living with conditions like his own that funds vital research for better treatment and understanding. 

“This race is more than just 13.1 miles. It's a statement. It’s about resilience, determination, and hope. I may have Crohn’s, but Crohn’s doesn’t have me – and I'm running to prove it”