STAFF at a pub in Nymspfield raised more than £600 from a charity coffee morning in a bid to raise awareness of the 'invisible illness' that their manager continues to suffer with.

The coffee morning successfully raised £600 in a bid to raise money and awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

Inspiration for the event on Wednesday, June 28 came from Rose and Crown pub manager Mary Clarke, who has suffered with Crohn’s disease for more than two decades.

Doctors struggled to diagnose Mary’s suffering, and staff hope if awareness is raised then her struggles will not be replicated.

Organiser and staff member Julie Trinder said: “I’d never heard of Crohn’s or colitis before, so after seeing Mary suffer for years through this illness I wondered how we could help in any way to raise money and awareness.

“I've hosted a few coffee mornings before for Macmillan Cancer Support and suggested to my daughters Amy and Sophie about organising one.

“I was amazed at the response we had and the fantastic amount raised.”

Crohn’s Disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the digestive system or gut and ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes inflammation and ulceration on the inner lining of the rectum and colon.

Both are often described as ‘invisible’ illnesses, due to the difficulty in their diagnosis.

Mary, 32, was forced to combat frequent claims that she was exaggerating her pain, doctors had a repeated inability to diagnose the issue and some suggested that she was just scared of food.

“I have been in a Crohn’s flare up with complications since March this year and still unable to return to work,” she said.

“The coffee morning in aid of Crohn’s and Colitis UK, organised by my wonderful work colleagues and friends, and by kind permission of landlord Andy Starling, really lifted my spirits.

“I was delighted that it was so well attended by the locals of Nympsfield, family, friends and friends of friends, even my uncle and grandmother who travelled from Cambridgeshire to give their support.

“I would like to thank absolutely everyone from the bottom of my heart for their support, great kindness and overwhelming generosity.

“I didn't expect to be poorly again and I had a really good three years since my operation in 2014 when part of my small bowel was removed.

“In March I started to get tummy cramps and again ended up in hospital for days at a time on fluids and strong pain killers, I had X-rays, MRI, Ct scan and my results showed extreme inflammation.

“After meeting with the doctors it turns out my bowel is now paralysed, I am currently trying a new medication to try and kick start it, but will know more later down the line.

“At 32 I didn't expect to be poorly again but every day is a battle, I hope to be back at work as soon as possible, I miss normal everyday life.”

Mary’s close friends and fellow event organisers Oliva Easey, Kirstie Preece and Sophie and Amy Guerin all stated that they had not heard of the illness before they met Mary, and were eager to help boost awareness.

Kirstie said: “Mary is a lovely friend. We've watched her this year suffer greatly.

“When she told us that a coffee morning was being planned it seemed natural to help by baking cakes.

“I roped in my friend and mother too! I was over the moon to hear how much had been raised and that we had been able to help.

Amy said: “We wanted to help raise for the charity and show Mary how much we care for her. We just love and miss Mary so much. Just hope that she and other sufferers get well again soon.”

For more about Crohn’s and Colitis UK visit www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk