Ali Jawad

When I was diagnosed I thought it was the end of my dreams of Paralympic glory. I was in constant pain, feeling weak (not a good idea for a powerlifter!) and at times, quite depressed - particularly when I found that there is no known cure for Crohn's Disease. A few months later, following surgery, I pulled myself together and went into intensive training for the London 2012 Paralympics. It was touch and go whether I would qualify, due to a flare-up, but I did. Narrowly missing out on a medal has only made me more determined to try and get to Rio and have another go. There's times when I want to weep, and I've learned that when that happens, the best thing to do is laugh. Through Crohn's & Colitis UK, I've met so many people who live with IBD or know someone who does, and I've found that just talking about our experiences can help. Most of all, I want there to be a cure - and I'll be helping Crohn's & Colitis UK to raise awareness of the need for research funding - so that one day nobody will have to think about living with Crohn's or Colitis in order to follow their dreams.