British Paralympic Powerlifter visits office

Meeting with staff and volunteers, Ali was able to share information about his life and challenges and to learn more about the work of the charity, in order to help him raise awareness.

Ali says he was inspired by Sir Steve Redgrave's autobiography to compete at world class level, even though his consultant at that time told him that he ought to give up on his dreams of international competition.

Ali puts his success down to the care and support he received, particularly from his Mum when he was most ill, but also from his friends who were determined to lift his spirits when he was down, and especially his coach who, Ali says, never stopped believing in him.

The Crohn's and Colitis community is quite tight-knit, Ali believes, and people will go out of their way to support one another. The charity also offers a support framework and if he has learned one thing, it's that every person is affected differently and what works for one person in terms of managing their IBD, doesn't necessarily work for someone else.

Ali manages his Crohn's and its potential impact on his powerlifting by keeping a daily training diary. In this, he records and rates the symptoms of his IBD such as pain, fatigue, bowel movements and mouth ulcers. This then allows him to work with his coach to adjust his training schedule to suit his health needs.

Post surgery Ali is on medication but is also trying to manage his condition with the help of a nutritionist and a rigorous food management programme. He limits himself to three quality meals a day, which he believes gives his gut the chance to rest, and also helps with fatigue. The only carbs in his diet are provided through sweet potatoes and he DEFINITELY doesn't lapse from his diet to enjoy "treats" he says: "What would be the point, when one treat could make the difference between a six month flare up of Crohn's, or being an Olympic champion in Rio?"

2014 is going to be a big year, with the World IBC Powerlifting Championships in Dubai this April, followed by the Commonwealth Games in August. But his main goal is the Rio Paralympics in 2016, and he says cheerfully: "Any colour medal would do!"

In his second year at Leeds Met's High Performance Centre, he is studying Sports Science, which he says was the right choice of subject because it will help him move into a coaching career. The lecturers are also supportive because they understand the nature of challenges he faces as a result of their subject specialism, and Ali, himself is better able to cope because of what he is learning about nutrition, training and psychology as part of his course.

Ali enjoyed meeting staff and volunteers. He has promised to tweet about our new Fundraising Guide to encourage others to get on board and support the work of the charity, as well as drawing down the support that is available to individuals through its helplines, brochures and programmes of events where people living with IBD can meet others in similar situations to exchange ideas and support.