A YATE father is speaking out about a condition that caused him to lose five stone and undergo six operations.

Youth worker Richard Harris, 35, was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2005 and had a permanent stoma bag fitted just over two years ago.

The long term condition causes inflammation in the bowel and rectum, and can be life-threatening in rare cases, like Richard's. 

With World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) day set to take place this Friday (May 19), the father of one has been sharing his story in order to raise awareness,

“Most people don’t know much about IBD, but it’s surprisingly common,” he said.

“Every 30 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis – the two main forms of IBD."

Unlike most people, Richard’s Ulcerative Colitis diagnosis was very sudden. He experienced his first severe flare up in August 2005, and underwent an emergency operation to remove his colon just three weeks later.

“Although doctors tried lots of different medications to reduce the inflammation, the risk of a rupture was too high," he explained.

“I had to have an emergency laparotomy, which involved cutting my stomach open about 9 inches."

Over the next few years, Richard underwent a further five operations in an attempt to get his colitis under control.

He has faced multiple setbacks along the way, including contracting MRSA following a remedial surgery and having to stay in hospital for weeks at a time.

“Fatigue has been a big issue for me - both from the condition but also as a result of pain and bleeding," he said.

“On my wedding day I had acne from the steroid medication I was taking at the time, and unfortunately it means that I don’t like any of my wedding photos.”

In 2015, Richard was fitted with a permanent stoma bag - a pouch that is attached to a hole in his abdomen to collect waste.

But despite the difficulties and body image issues that can be associated with stoma bags, Richard maintains a positive outlook.

"My bag saved my life," he said. "It's not in any way a barrier, and most people don't even know I have one."

Since being diagnosed with the condition, Richard has become a powerful force in the IBD community, working to support and inspire others in his position.

He runs a tongue-in-cheek blog, Gutless Dick, where he documents his journey and struggles in a light-hearted way, and also hosts a monthly twitter #IBDHour to provide mutual support to other sufferers.

For more information and for anyone affected by and Inflammatory Bowel disease, visit the Crohns and Colitis UK website.