YOUNG fundraiser dresses up as a giant poo in the local carnival and completes a sparathon.

JJ Smith, 10 from Trowbridge has taken on lots of challenges for Crohn’s & Colitis UK. During half term he went to the head office to present a cheque of £1000.

JJ who has been doing karate for six years, said: "I wanted to raise money for my condition because they have been looking out for me. I loved the sparathon where you have to fight in rounds and getting to see what other people know and combine our qualities together. I have passed my black belt grading too.

"It used to be quite bad my condition but I was on a six week milkshake diet and it calmed the affects down.

JJ said: “It can be hard having Crohn’s as a kid because some adults don’t understand it well and when I get tired quickly during a flare up they think I’m just being lazy. But I’m not. It’s also hard when people think I’m not doing as well as other kids even though they probably don’t realise I’m in pain. I’ve learnt as long as I am trying my best then that’s all I focus on now.

Kime Karate Club In Westbury where JJ trains in shotokan karate they were joined by Dragons Lair MMA Melksham where Shayne trains in kickboxing.

JJ was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2017. The incredible youngster fundraised for the charity by also running a stall at a local fete and sweet sale.

He added: “Crohn’s & Colitis UK have supported me loads. I feel understood by the people there and I have found so many useful videos and tips and I always feel like I can use the page if I want information. That’s why I decided to fundraise for them.

“I have enjoyed doing lots of things for the charity and it makes me feel good. I have also been able to involve my friend Josh who has supported me with loads of these events. My brother Shayne helped me organise all of these events and he has taken part in them all too.

"I also have a vlog called My Crohns Journey on facebook where I talk about things that have been hard for me or things that I have enjoyed. I hoped that by setting this up I could raise awareness of Crohn’s & Colitis UK and what having Crohns means to me.”

Shayne said: "It went really well. We had to fight some people who were strong and fast. My brother has the condition so we wanted to help. We got a medal for taking part but when you have to punch the bag it's tiring."

Their mum Kayleigh Eaton said: I'm really proud of them and it was a nice day. They thought it was very rewarding but tiring. JJ condition can make him tired but the adrenaline of the day pushed him through.

When he was first diagnosed it was difficult to find things suitable for his age so his blog can help other people from his point of view as Crohns is a whole other ball game to make the information suitable for his age.

We would like to thank everyone who took part.

Right now, over 300,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease that many people have never heard of. And the real number could be almost double that. Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these disease, thousands of people are suffering in silence.

Leanne Downie, supporter experience manager at Crohn’s & Colitis UK said; “We loved having JJ and his family come into the office and met us all today. We are blown away with all his hard work and incredible fundraising. The money raised will enable Crohns and Colitis to do vital new research, answer more calls from people needing help and provide patient packs to hospitals across the UK. We want to say a massive thank you to JJ as such an inspiring and dedicated supporter – we can’t wait to see what other ideas you come up with.”

To find out more ways you can get involved with the charity please visit: www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising