ASTON Fields youngster Deklan Vines looks like any normal, happy nine-year-old boy, but what many people do not know is he suffers from a debilitating and incurable disease.

Two years ago Deklan was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease (CD) after suffering repeatedly with a number of the symptoms including bouts of diarrhoea and fatigue.

Mum Julie said: "It is quite a difficult disease to diagnose so it took a while before doctors realised why he was repeatedly poorly."

Relatively little is known about the disease except that it is most commonly an inflammation of the small intestine, although it can infect any part of the digestive tract. The most common theory behind the cause of CD is that the body's immune system reacts to a virus causing ongoing inflammation of the intestines. It is usually contracted before a person reaches 30.

Along with diarrhoea and fatigue, symptoms include rectal bleeding, weight loss and painful joints.

"Once it was established that Deklan had CD we could go about finding suitable treatment and now he takes regular medication to control the symptoms," added Julie of Rutherford Road.

The successful medication has allowed Deklan to lead a relatively normal life and in the last year he has only relapsed twice.

Julie is thankful to Finstall First School, where Deklan has just completed his final term, for their help and support. He is looking forward to starting at Aston Fields Middle School.

"We have also received brilliant, ongoing support from the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease support group Smiles. This is why my husband and I have decided to do the Chatsworth Challenge," explained Julie.

Challenge

On September 14 Julie and Paul, along with some close relatives, will be taking part in the Chatsworth Challenge Sponsored Walk to raise cash for the Crohn's disease support group Smiles. The 25-mile, mixed terrain trek will take in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside finishing a mile from Chatsworth House. It must be completed in no more than 11 hours and around 300 people are expected to take part.

"We are looking for residents and local businesses to dig deep and offer us sponsorship as we want to raise as much money as possible so this excellent support network can continue," said Julie.

If you would like to offer sponsorship call the Vines family on 01527 574027. For further details on Smiles visit www.smilespeople.

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