PEOPLE in Herefordshire suffering from bowel problems are invited to a special evening of education and discussion next week.

About 850 people in the county are suffering from inflammatory bowel conditions Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis with about 18,000 new cases diagnosed across the UK every year. An increasing amount of young people have been diagnosed with the conditions in recent years.

Herefordshire’s Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity support group, which was founded last year, will hold an evening of talks and discussion at Hereford County Hospital from 6.30pm on Thursday, February 13.

People attending the evening will be given advice on fatigue, diet and other elements of living with bowel disease.

Coordinator of Herefordshire’s Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity support group Jan Stevenson said: “Many people do not realise the significant impact these diseases can have on a person’s quality of life, affecting career aspirations, ability to work, psychological relationships and even day-to-day life, due to the debilitating symptoms such as extreme fatigue, pain, and diarrhoea.

“We’re pleased to provide our first free education evening where people can find out about living with these diseases and how to improve their quality of life”.

Wye Valley NHS Trust consultant Jake Burdsall said he and his team were “delighted” to be able to help those suffering from the conditions.

“Learning more about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis enables people to make informed decisions about their lifestyle to help better manage their symptoms,” he said.

To find out more call 0845 130 6824 or visit crohnsandcolitis.org.uk