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Harrogate MP set to take on London Marathon in aid of colitis charity

Tuesday, 7 April 2026 15:27

Tom Gordon was hospitalised after a flare up linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is preparing to take part in this year's London Marathon to raise funds for Crohn's & Colitis UK.

The race, scheduled for Sunday 26th April, will mark Tom's sixth marathon.

He said his motivation for fundraising this year is more personal than ever.

He said:

"Usually, I’ve raised money for causes I have a family connection to. This time, it’s for something even closer to home."

Earlier this year, Tom was hospitalised following a flare-up linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

He has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and is continuing to undergo tests to rule out Crohn’s disease.

He said:

"It really knocked me and was a real reminder of how quickly things can change when you’re living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

"Living with IBD is tough. It’s unpredictable, often invisible, and sometimes means having to slow down or stop completely - something I find particularly hard."

Last year, Tom ran both the London and Paris marathons in aid of Open Country and Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity.

Later this month, he will return to the capital with the aim of raising £1,000 for Crohn’s & Colitis UK.

He said:

"They do vital work supporting people living with IBD, funding research, and campaigning for better care and faster diagnoses.

"If you’re able to support, I’d be incredibly grateful."

The London Marathon is one of the UK’s largest annual fundraising events, attracting thousands of runners each year for a wide range of charitable causes.

Find out more and contribute towards Tom's fundraising campaign here.

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