A Haslington man is currently completing 31 minutes of exercise for the 31 days of January, in aid of Crohn's and Colitis UK.

Mike Casson has doubled his fundraising target of £125 to £262 just over two weeks into the challenge. 

The local man was diagnosed with lifelong conditions Crohn's and Colitis at the age of 19 and had a life-saving major operation nine years ago to help improve his condition. 

Mike Casson has doubled his fundraising target of £125 to £262 just over two weeks into the challenge (Nub News).

Mike is currently not feeling unwell from the conditions and he is on medication to help manage his symptoms, however, he counts himself lucky that so far he has had a positive outcome from the invisible illness. 

He told Nub News: "I decided it was about time I should start raising awareness for the cause, there are many people who suffer in silence with this illness, as it's not visible.

"I've been there where I've struggled to function and thanks to the support of my workplace Swansway Motor Group, and my family and friends around me, I have received the right treatment and got back on my feet.

"It's something I will live with forever, but for now, it is manageable." 

Over 500,000 people in the UK live with this disease many people have never heard of, and Mike aims to spread the word to those around him.

Mike Casson walked 5.5 miles from Haslington to Alsager this month (Nub News).

Mike's challenge to do 31 days of 31 minutes of exercise comes after a 12-month shake-up to his fitness routine. 

Over the last year, Mike has taken up swimming, visiting the pool several times a week to get some lengths in, and in December decided to ramp up his efforts to three to four times a week.

So, when the clock struck midnight and we welcomed 2024, Mike's challenge of 31 minutes of exercise for 31 days straight wasn't as daunting as it could have been. 

On the days he isn't making a splash, Mike has been switching up his activities to also include walking and cycling and has very much enjoyed getting out into the fresh air. 

Mike added: "Doing 31 minutes of exercise for someone who suffers from Crohn's and/or Colitis, would be a near impossible task without the pioneering treatments.

Over 500,000 people in the UK live with Crohn's and Colitis. Mike Casson is trying to raise awareness of this (Crohn's and Colitis UK).

"Funding is needed to keep finding new ways to tackle and maybe one day find a cure for this debilitating illness endured by many." 

If you would like to find out more about more about Mike's Fundraiser, CLICK HERE.