For Steven Sharp, 26, from Fauldhouse, West Lothian, in Scotland, being upfront about having Crohn’s Disease with employers and colleagues is the norm.
Steven was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when he was 12 and had to have emergency ileostomy surgery at the age of 17. He admits living with IBD through his late teens and early 20s did cause some upheaval with his career aims. After getting his head around having a stoma at 17, Steven required further surgery when he was 20 and 22. This meant he could only work at best on a short-term basis as his deteriorating health took priority. At worst, he was forced to stop working altogether.
He is keen to develop a successful career in sales and administration, and enjoys working in an office as part of a team. Steven is employed by Infotone Imaging Supplies as a customer account manager. He is part of a small sales team based at the company’s Livingston office. Steven is happy at Infotone and has a firm eye on promotion within the company.
Being able to talk about his condition at work and knowing his managers and colleagues have an understanding of how IBD affects him is important to Steven.
The support Steven receives from management and colleagues makes it easier to deal with those days when he has flare-ups. He finds the colder months particularly tough as he experiences fatigue and joint pain. His sleep can also be affected. At those times, his team are always keen to help.
Infotone has also embraced Steven’s passion for fundraising for Crohn’s & Colitis UK and the company has helped to raise awareness of IBD throughout its sites in Scarborough, York, Livingston and Dublin.
Even though the Livingston office only opened in May, the company was keen to get on board and support Steven and Crohn’s & Colitis UK by wearing purple for World IBD Day. Steven is also one of the charity’s community champions and is passionate about raising awareness and funds – he has raised more than £12,000 in the past two years, with the full support of Infotone.
Steven appreciates that other people living with IBD may not feel as comfortable opening up to employers and colleagues.
By nominating us as your company’s Charity of the Year, we will be your company’s dedicated charity for the entire financial year. For you, it would mean an awareness talk at your office plus regular updates on the charity’s progress. It would also bring participation opportunities such as a place in our annual skydive days across the country and the chance to organise a company fundraiser event.
This article was first published in our members' magazine, Connect. Delivered to your door three times a year, our high quality members’ magazine will keep you up to date with our activities and campaigns, as well as the latest news on research and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Find out more about the benefits of becoming a member and how you can join us.