When Christina’s son, John, began experiencing bowel issues whilst at university in the early ‘90s, the doctors were quick to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, Christina had seen these symptoms before in her brother, who had been diagnosed in his late teens with Ulcerative Colitis and was one of the pioneers to have a stoma fitted at the age of 20 in the 1960s. She insisted that the doctors investigate further to get an accurate diagnosis for her son, but it wasn’t until she paid for a private hospital appointment that they finally had an answer; it was actually Crohn’s Disease. 

At that time, with very little public information available to her, Christina began to do her own research into Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). She had only heard of Ulcerative Colitis from her brother, so Christina had to go to her local library and look in the reference section for information about Crohn’s Disease. This is where she came across Richard Driscoll, who served as Chief Executive of Crohn’s & Colitis UK for 20 years— originally as Director and then Chief Executive of NACC (National Association of Colitis and Crohn’s) as it was then known. This prompted her to join as a member and actively volunteer for events with her husband, Phil, and fundraise for the charity. 

Christina and her son John

Since her son’s diagnosis, further members of her family have been impacted by the condition, including her grandson, Luca, who is her daughter’s son.  

Both Christina and Jane are keen to stay up to date with the latest research, particularly around genetics. They feel that it is vital for health professionals to be up-to-date on the latest developments as well to ensure that they are aware of the symptoms so that people can access a quicker diagnosis and the proper treatment for their condition. 

Christina is also keenly aware of the need for those living with these conditions to have a support system in place, particularly when having to advocate for themselves.  

Often, people worry about how their condition will affect their relationships. When discussing this, Christina highlights how being in an understanding and supportive relationship has helped both her son and grandson. Over the years, John has undergone several operations, including having a stoma fitted, and while he has remained stoical in the face of it all, Christina is grateful that he has a wife who understands his condition so well and is able to offer both practical and emotional support.  

Luca’s partner, Elle, is also aware of the condition as her grandfather has Crohn’s. She understands the valuable everyday things she can do to support Luca that really make a difference.  

Christina is particularly grateful to specialist IBD nurses like John’s cousin, acknowledging how beneficial and important it is to have someone who is very practical and can give you straightforward answers.  

Having been a member of Crohn’s & Colitis UK for 35 years, Christina is grateful to the charity for highlighting important discoveries, as well as telling the stories of those affected by the conditions. Looking back, she often questioned whether her son’s Crohn’s was her fault; whether perhaps it was his diet when he was younger or something else that could have caused it. However, through the information she now has access to, she has been able to put that guilt aside. 

Recently, John had to have surgery to have a small piece of his bowel removed, due to it becoming twisted where the stoma was fitted. After seeing his consultant following the surgery, the consultant was happy with the results, and John is feeling well and positive about the future.  

When thinking about how IBD has impacted her own life, one thing that sticks in Christina’s mind is John saying: “Mum, you have suffered with me.” John’s words are a stark reminder that Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease impact more than just those living with the conditions. This is why in looking to the future, Christina has generously included a gift to Crohn’s & Colitis UK in her Will, in the hope that it will help the charity’s mission to make a world free from Crohn’s and Colitis possible. “I'm getting older, so it's up to the next generation to take over."