Nicola's story

I was finally referred to an IBD nurse and got my Crohn’s diagnosis, two years after my symptoms began. Since then I’ve had five surgeries and tried several medications that haven’t agreed with me. I’m now on adalimumab, which has helped me to enjoy food again, although I still struggle with fatigue at times.

In May last year, my husband John, who was my rock throughout everything, died of gastric and oesophageal cancer. Despite my grief, I feel positive about life. I’m writing a book in John’s memory and I’ve been trying to raise awareness about Crohn’s and Colitis to reduce the stigma.

I’ve lost friends along the way; people who think I should stop talking about it. But I’m not doing it for me – I’m doing it for others. I tell people, trust your own body and instincts. If you’re not happy with the first opinion, get a second. And there is light at the end of the tunnel even though, for me, it’s been a very long one.

The four words that John left me with were ‘Life must go on.’  It’s what’s got us through losing him, and what I try to live by.

When we knew John wasn’t going to survive, we wrote our Wills. We decided that whoever died last would leave a gift in their Will to Crohn’s & Colitis UK. He knew how much the cause means to me and saw our gift as a way to continue his support for me and the causes I care about.

My biggest hope is for a cure – not necessarily for me,  but for others in the future. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did. If I can help others, I will. Because others have helped me so much.

A gift in my Will is my way of giving back. It’s my way of helping to bring us closer to a cure.