[The Gut Trust]

I have been an IBS sufferer for over three decades and I struggled shamefully and silently with its ups and downs for twenty of those years. Then I heard about The Gut Trust. I joined eagerly in the hope of attending a self-help group and meeting others with the same illness. To my dismay, I found that there wasn't a group anywhere near me!

It occurred to me that the only way I was going to be in a group was to start one myself. Nothing daunted, I set about forming a local group in my area. With excellent help from Penny, in Head Office, The Leeds and West Yorkshire Group had its very first meeting ten years ago. Here is the report of that meeting which appeared in Gut Reaction.

I was contacted by approximately half of the members who had been circulated, not a bad percentage. Many expressed their intention of joining the group and others who were unable to attend kindly sent their best wishes for our success.

We had our first meeting as planned and I was delighted with an attendance of fifteen, three of whom were men. People travelled quite some distances from all parts of Yorkshire, which all goes to show how badly needed these groups are.

Ages ranged from 70 years down to 13 week old Josephine, who accompanied her mum, Suzanne. Needless to say, she was the star of the show, especially as she was in good voice! I think we all offered up a silent prayer that she will not grow up to be an IBS sufferer.

The atmosphere was friendly, warm and relaxed and we all enjoyed sharing our experiences and problems. There was much enthusiasm and a rich variety suggestions for the group, including funds, venue, content of meeting etc. Everyone was supportive and willing to share the workload in whatever way they can. We have arranged a further four meetings for 1997.

Much water has gone under the bridge since then. Newcomers have come and gone; many have stayed and we still have a handful of original members from that very first meeting. I am grateful for their continuing interest and loyalty.

All members of the group live with IBS for 365 days a year and between us we have had a wide variety of medical treatments, including surgery. We manage our IBS as best we can but get fed up at times with its effect on our daily lives. We have supported each other through thick and thin; we have laughed together, cried together, moaned and complained, encouraged and enthused together.

So, here we are, due to meet very shortly for our tenth anniversary. Our group is a mixed bunch of kindly individuals with very different symptom pictures. Meetings are informal and mutual understanding and support is strong one member has even become a Reiki Master and often gives some treatment at meetings if a member is unwell.

Joining the charity and starting the self-help group is the best thing I ever did. Through it I have met some wonderful people and made some wonderful friends; I have come to terms with my IBS and developed my own management strategy. Without the group and its faithful members I know I would not be as well as I am today. My heartfelt thanks go to each one and every one of them.

For our March meeting, then, it will be my privilege and pleasure to bake a special birthday cake complete with ten candles. So, Happy Birthday everyone, especially baby Josephine who is now also ten years old!

Shelagh Grey
Co-ordinator, Leeds and West Yorkshire Group
The Gut Trust Trustee