Chasing a dream: Ibby's story

After finishing college in 2005, Ibby moved from Birmingham to London, aged 18, to become a chef. Securing a trainee role at a five-star hotel in Kensington, Ibby was taking the first steps of his dream career.

But working 50 - 60 hour weeks, he soon became unwell. Within a year, Ibby had lost a lot of weight, didn't have much of an appetite, and was having severe diarrhoea.

Ibby was initially on adalimumab, but in 2011 it stopped working, and he had keyhole surgery to remove most of his small intestine. Ten days later Ibby had further surgery to remove more of his small intestine, which had become inflamed.

Ibby then had further surgery to remove an abscess and was given a temporary ileostomy and mucous fistula, which he had reversed later that year. Ever since, Ibby's condition has remained pretty stable.

Now 30, he credits his medication - which includes regular infliximab infusions - and a change in lifestyle for this.

For Ibby, the part Crohn's & Colitis UK plays in raising awareness of Crohn's and Colitis is vital, and he hopes to do some fundraising this year by taking part in WALK IT.

However, Ibby says his family and girlfriend are the best supporters he could ever ask for, and they have helped him to be comfortable with his IBD.

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