Sally Coughtrey, parliamentary intern (Part 3)

"On my penultimate day sitting at my desk, I sit down to reflect on the past few months working here to write my last blog entry. I have learnt so much in the last three months here, mainly that the team that works behind the scenes for a political party work really hard and deserve a lot of credit, every part of the team plays an important part.

I've been fortunate enough to work with most people in the office; from the media and communications team helping them with gathering information for press releases and working on the website, to supporting the Assembly Members researchers by helping with debates and briefings.

The routine tasks of the week have become second nature to me now, and I will miss hearing questions to the first minister on Tuesday and all the debates on various topics. It's funny how a mention on BBC Wales's news brings a sense of joy that the work we are doing is being noticed.

I hope that I have shown my colleagues that although I have IBD I am still 'normal' and able to work to the best of my ability, even with my condition. I hope people do not look at me and think 'Crohn's Disease' straight off because there is so much more to me than my illness.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Crohn's & Colitis UK for giving me this opportunity, and to everyone in the team for welcoming me into the office, They won't be seeing the back of me yet as I hope this is just the beginning of my career in politics."

• Read Sally's Blog: Part 1
• Read Sally's Blog: Part 2

Crohn's & Colitis UK's internship programme, supported by an educational grant from Abbvie, has been successful in giving four young members of the charity an insight into the workings of politics.

The programme aims to increase understanding of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), raise participants' self-esteem and confidence and demonstrate the realities of living and working with IBD to decision makers in England, Scotland and Wales.

Successful previous applicants, like Sally, have been given the opportunity to support a politician's work at constituency and national level, gaining new skills and vital work experience.