IF you could bottle sheer positivity Kingsmead’s Emma Raynes has it in abundance.

The 43-year-old, from Eddisbury Drive, has lived with the painful inflammatory bowel condition Crohn’s disease for almost two decades.

In that time, the mum-of-two has undergone multiple surgeries which have included a subtotal colectomy for the removal of abscesses, closure of a hernia, plus many colonoscopies. Ongoing problems with adhesions and fistulas make her a complex case.

And yet, she’s climbed Ben Nevis while suffering a bowel infection, has run several fund and awareness raising marathons, has visited Palestine while studying for a degree, and plans to climb Everest in 2020.

Just eight weeks after having a stoma fitted to help with her condition, she’s already got her sights set on her latest challenges, two of which include running her first marathon and ultra-marathon in aid of the NSPCC.

Emma, an experienced health worker, explained: “I’m raising funds for the NSPCC from a personal story. I believe every child should be heard, believed, feel loved and not suffer with abuse such as physical, emotional and sexual.

“The NSPCC does wonderful work with children and families in need and I would like to be a voice for children.”

Emma, who has also suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, says she took up running three years ago because she wanted to ‘show Crohn’s who was boss’.

She said: “Exercise is so good for the mind, it’s allowed me to heal and grow. Since then I have taken on many challenges running 5k, 10k and half marathons. I am extremely resilient, and this is my major strength. I have pushed myself regardless of the disease I am living with, so I can get to the finish lines and to complete other challenges such as mountain walks.

“I’ve been busy in other ways too. I completed a BA in Social Policy, Childhood and Youth. I have travelled to Palestine with Liverpool Hope University students to stay with families and attend many peace talk and history meetings.”

Emma describes her stoma surgery in October this year as ‘the best thing ever’.

She added: “Now I can go and live my dreams and make them come true. I’ve planned and booked the Wrexham Half Marathon in March, Liverpool Rock and Roll marathon in May and The Race to the Stones 100k weekend challenge in July. I’ve also booked to walk to Mount Everest Basecamp in 2020. This is the dream I am looking forward to most.”

Fundamentally, Emma is hoping to help other people in her condition.

She said: “There really shouldn’t be a stigma surrounding Crohn’s disease, but unfortunately there is. I hope that by shining a light on my condition and being honest it I can help other people too.

“I hope that my motivation and resilience will come through as I tell my story and inspire others to achieve their dreams too.”

To support Emma on her fundraising mission visit justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-raynes5