By Katie Lamborn

A Biddenden man who has fought a crushing illness for more than a decade is now living pain-free thanks to a drug he's receiving on the NHS.

Joshua Scales, 27, has been in remission from Crohn's disease for four years.

The disease can have a devastating impact on patients' day-to-day lives.

Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and sometimes rectal bleeding.

Other complications include ulcers and malnutrition.

"I was hospitalised at least once or twice a year," said Joshua.

"The disease had significant effects on my growth - I went through puberty much later, which was difficult.

"But it never affected me mentally. I always stayed strong due to wonderful support form my parents and friends.

"I think that's why I was able to get through it."

Joshua has two injections a week of the drug adalimumab (HUMIRA).

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) is now recommending the drug for adults with severe active Crohn's disease who have not responded to conventional therapy.

"The drug is value for money," said Joshua.

"It's expensive - but money is saved by sufferers not spending long periods of time in hospital."

"I can lead a normal life, I can travel easily, I don't have to worry about where the nearest toilets are, I dont have to worry about taking time off.

"I now feel completely normal."