Young Adults Advisory Panel

I was appointed as Chair of the Young Adults Advisory Panel by the Board of Trustees in 2025. Prior to this, I had been Vice Chair on the first YAAP panel which was established in 2023.

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2014, when I was aged 17. This means that I have had to navigate the various milestones and challenges that come with being a young adult, whilst trying to cope with the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis. Over the years I have been a huge advocate for reducing the stigma of Crohn's & Colitis and I am extremely passionate about improving the support for other young adults with IBD.

Outside of the panel I work in the NHS as a Psychologist and have completed a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology, so I am a huge advocate for improving psychological wellbeing in individuals living with chronic health conditions.

A close family member of mine was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2019 after many months of symptoms so I have seen first-hand the challenges faced by those impacted by Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Ever since the diagnosis I have gone out of my way to educate myself about Crohn’s and Colitis.

The Crohn’s & Colitis UK website became a staple in my journey of learning about IBD and gave me the platform to raise awareness and educate others. I continuously advocate in my personal and professional life that not all disabilities are visible and feel incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to sit on the YAAP at Crohn’s & Colitis UK. I look forward to continuing to support the Board on issues where a Young Adult’s voice is required.

I joined the Young Adult Advisory Panel as an enthusiastic amateur in IBD advocacy and to help include the voices and improve the lives of young adults with IBD in the UK.

I channelled this enthusiasm into various projects and roles, such as art exhibition ‘Low on Spoons, Not Identity’, celebrating intersectionality in the chronic illness community and 2024 Crohn’s and Colitis Young Adult Network Fellow role. I went on to pursue a psychology degree and work at local theatres. I hope my experiences will encourage  help build confidence and growth in IBD advocacy and shape a supportive, IBD-aware future.

I have a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and work as a Regulatory Executive for a Pharmaceutical Consultancy firm based in Belfast.

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2021, a month after I graduated from university and just before starting my first graduate job. My treatment path has been incredibly difficult and I suffered greatly with symptoms until I underwent surgery in 2022. I now live with a permanent colostomy bag which has allowed me to enjoy good health and pursue the things I am passionate about including swimming and travelling.

I am incredibly passionate about improving awareness of IBD and was eager to be part of the Panel. As a young person who has been impacted so heavily by Crohn’s it has equipped me with a breadth of experience and understanding that I would love to be able to share and put to good use helping others.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2024 after being admitted to hospital with a critical infection and had an Ileostomy formed to help save my life. Having a diagnosis has been scary, coming to terms with living life as a young adult in a very atypical way. At the same time, I was grateful to finally have a name for the symptoms I had lived with since I was young. Being diagnosed with Crohn's has helped me understand my body in a new way, and with that comes new discussions and questions that have to be asked. As part of that, I am thrilled to join the Young Adult Advisory Panel, sharing my personal experiences with Crohn's to help young adults affected by IBD feel more comfortable and work towards a more accommodating future.

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2022 at the end of my first year of university. Managing a Crohn’s diagnosis meant navigating many challenges such as traveling up and down the country for tests and adapting to a new medical system during my study abroad year in Germany. Now, I’m in my final year of university studying philosophy, politics, and economics.

I am so grateful to have a place on the Young Adults Advisory Panel! I’m determined to advocate for other young people with IBD to ensure our voices are heard and our needs are met, whilst raising awareness about IBD.

Hi, I’m Ollie, and I’m honoured to be a member of the Young Adults Advisory Panel. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at 15 and now live with a permanent ileostomy, which has given me a second chance at life.

Before my stoma surgery, I kept my diagnosis largely to myself. However, after my first operation, I launched my social media page, where I’ve since become a passionate advocate for people with chronic and invisible illnesses, breaking stigma and inspiring others with similar experiences.

Outside of advocacy, I’m a medical student with a love for sport. I’ve had the privilege of representing England U19 Futsal, proving that IBD and living with a stoma isn’t the end of the world. I’m excited to work alongside the Panel, using my experiences to help shape the future of IBD care and ensure young people’s voices are heard and acted upon.

Hi, I’m Rachel and I’m excited to join the Young Adults Advisory Panel. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2017 and underwent ileostomy surgery in 2024. 

Crohn’s & Colitis UK has been an invaluable support through both the highs and the lows, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to help advocate for young people with IBD. 

Outside of this panel, I have completed a degree in History and now work in Project Management. In my free time I enjoy travelling, cooking, and playing and watching football.

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis back in 2021. Since then it has been quite the journey of ups and downs, and I am always keen to share those experiences with others.

I am in the privileged position to be in medical school so have also seen how IBD affects so many people, of all ages. It is my passion to help people however I can using my knowledge and experiences. I am so proud to be a part of the Young Adult Advisory Panel at Crohn’s & Colitis UK and am determined to do my bit for IBD awareness and represent young people with the condition.“

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease several years ago and have experienced many of the challenges that can come with living with a long-term condition, including major surgery and ongoing treatment. These experiences have given me a strong passion for patient advocacy and ensuring that the voices of people living with Crohn’s and Colitis are heard.

Professionally, I work in the insurance industry and also volunteer as a charity trustee, supporting organisations with technology, governance, and digital inclusion. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering, photography, and helping to build supportive communities. I’m excited to be part of the Young Adults Advisory Panel and contribute to improving support and opportunities for others living with Crohn’s or Colitis.

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2022 during my final year of university after years of symptoms and uncertainty. Receiving a diagnosis was both challenging and reassuring, as it finally provided answers and allowed me to better understand my health.

I now work as a Finance Officer and am studying towards becoming a Chartered Accountant. Navigating Crohn’s as a young adult while balancing studies, work, and social life has shown me the importance of access to reliable information, support, and representation. I am passionate about ensuring that young people living with IBD have a voice and am excited to contribute my experiences through the Young Adults Advisory Panel.

I’m so excited to be part of the Young Adults Advisory Panel! After being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 12 and having stoma surgery at 14, I knew I wanted to help raise awareness and be part of making a difference.

Living with IBD at a young age came with many challenges, and being a South Asian Muslim brought additional challenges too. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing my experiences with other young people, so they know they’re not alone and that life with a stoma can still be full of opportunities.

I’m about to start my third year of medical school, and outside of my studies I enjoy playing the piano, painting, and travelling. I hope my journey shows that having a stoma can truly give you a second chance at life.