Last week, I introduced what’s called an Early Day Motion (EDM) to Parliament on Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week.
For most who are unfamiliar with Westminster jargon, an EDM is a formal proposal by an MP for a debate on any topic they wish. Other members can sign the MP’s EDM to show their support. The process is about raising awareness of specific issues.
For me, it’s personal. My courageous wife, Caroline, has battled this illness for over a decade, and we have met so many others along the way. I have witnessed firsthand how much this condition is debilitating and cruel. Many of us have will have loved ones or know someone affected by this often-stigmatised or misunderstood condition.
My EDM aims to emphasise the experiences of those living with the disease. Often mistaken for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), both Crohn’s and Colitis are considerably more serious and even life-threatening. However, due to the intimate nature of the disease and confusion about what it truly is, public awareness of its severity remains low. Yet, with 1 in 120 people in the UK affected by this condition, it is time to reduce the stigma and secrecy that surround it.
As described by Crohn’s and Colitis UK, the charity that provides information and support about the disease, Crohn’s is characterised by parts of the gut becoming swollen, inflamed, and ulcerated. This can cause pain, internal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue, and you may experience other symptoms as well. In Colitis, parts of the large bowel become swollen, inflamed, and ulcerated. This can lead to diarrhoea, blood in your stool, weight loss, tiredness, and tummy pain, and you may have other symptoms too. Often, complex, lengthy operations are required to remove part or all of the bowel.
The week starting 1st December marks Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week. This often-invisible condition can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from employment to relationships. During National Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, from 1st to 7th December, I want to use my platform to raise awareness of the nature and effects of the disease. Crohn’s and Colitis UK is running a campaign called “How it feels,” which shares the experiences of those who suffer. Please contact them if you or someone you know is affected, as they can offer support to help manage the condition.
Crohn’s and Colitis UK: 0300 222 5700
