A colitis sufferer who has dedicated the past two years to raising funds for Crohn’s & Colitis UK has said she is taking a break due to her health.

Debbie Hyland, 33, of Gladstone Road, Deal, has given much of her spare time to the charity by holding quizzes, pamper evenings, table top sales and even running a half marathon.

Her final event was a baby and children’s sale at Betteshanger Social Club on Sunday October 9, where she raised more than £300, bringing her total to almost £3,500.

The mum-of-three was diagnosed with colitis eight years ago, shortly after the birth of her first child.

Two years ago, she decided she wanted to do her bit to help try to find a cure for the debilitating illness.

"I’m fighting with everything I have. Some days, sadly, I lose, and others I shout ‘victory’" - Debbie Hyland on living with colitis

She has now opened up about her suffering in a bid to highlight just how negatively the condition can affect people’s lives.

She said: “I hope the money I have raised for Crohn’s & Colitis UK will be appreciated.

"I have tried my hardest to make people more aware of this disease. Unfortunately, for my own health reasons I will no longer be able to hold fundraising events.”

Colitis is one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and affects more than 300,000 people in the UK. Together with Crohn’s disease, it is becoming more common, especially among the young.

Some people with colitis have to go to the toilet up to 30 times a day.

Debbie said: “It’s not easy to live with and it wasn’t easy to talk about, but realising I’m not alone made me want to help others.

“But I’m struggling. I’m fighting with everything I have. Some days, sadly, I lose, and others I shout ‘victory’.

“This is not temporary it’s for the rest of my life.”

Debbie has admitted there have been times when she wouldn’t leave the house. She relies on medication to control her colitis and has to attend regular appointments.

But in some cases, medication doesn’t work, so people are forced to have their bowel removed. In extreme cases, they can die.

She said: “This is a life long illness. I will suffer with pain, discomfort, stares from the public, judgement from family members, rudeness and abandonment from so-called friends.

“But this doesn’t mean my life is over. It means I’m living in a different way.”

Debbie is now taking a break from fundraising but hopes to return in the future.

She has thanked all of those who have supported her at events.

She said: “My mum, Ann Jordan, has been great support with all my fundrasing events and helped out with every one, so a big thank you must go to her. I couldn’t have done it on my own.”

She has also thanked The Green Berry pub and The Meat In Place for having collection tins.

Debbie will still be active on her Facebook page. She will be posting information and says she is happy to talk to people.

Like the Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness and Fundrasing Kent Facebook page for updates.