There are approximately 261,000 people in the UK living with IBD whether it be Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. However only 8,740 have been awarded some form of benefit i.e. Employment & Support Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (also referred to as PIP) There are many people who can continue to work either full or part time jobs and can do so for years, But sadly not everyone can.

For people who do not know what IBD is here are the main symptoms;

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea (sometimes mixed with blood)

Tiredness and fatigue

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Abscesses and fistulas

Swollen joints, mouth ulcers and eye problems.

Unfortunately the list goes on but they are just a few of what people with Crohn's or Colitis go through each day. There is no cure for either disease, many people can control it with Medication while others have to resort to having major surgery. Speaking as a person living with severe Crohn's Disease my life has changed drastically.living in pain everyday, not sleeping at night because I'm going to the toilet 30+ times, constantly feeling weak, not to mention trips to the hospital every week.

I was disgusted to find out that the DWP do not recognise Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis as a type of disability, and therefore when somebody applies for DLA or ESA more likely than not they are denied. This must STOP.

People already refer to Crohn's and Colitis as an "Invisible Illness" which like me makes many angry and feeling ignored & isolated, Too scared to reach out and ask for help.

Now that the Tories are back in power I fear that this problem is going to get much worse. They have already stated that they are going to make £12bn worth of cuts to the welfare system but will not specify from which departments.

I am therefore setting up this campaign to ask The Department For Work & Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith & David Cameron to acknowledge that they have been wrong to turn away vulnerable people who have to fight this debilitating disease for the rest of their lives. And to promise, to recognise both Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis as a genuine Disability & take seriously the effect it has on peoples lives.

Please, I would be so grateful if you can give us your support on this matter.

Thank You

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