Martyn & Crohn’s disease

“Living and coping with an invisible disability has made me change the way I live my life – in a positive way. My Plus is I now live life to the max and tackle challenges head on!

Crohn’s disease is a chronic illness that causes inflammation of the digestive system or gut. Often labelled as an invisible disability I tend to show no outward sign of my illness, even when going through flare-up periods. This can be hard for people to understand when I look really well but am actually not.

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2004 at 28 years old. After lots of surgery and realising how my life was going to change I was not in a good place. I had just got married and was planning for a family.

However, I was not going to let this disease beat me. My company, Enterprise, were really supportive and adjusted my work schedule to my needs. I was determined to carry on my sports and even took up new ones. I now have a passion for downhill mountain biking – something I wouldn’t have even tried before I became ill. I had to make changes to my diet and my daily routine, but now these are just part of my daily life.

With a supportive group of friends and family and an inclusive employer, I have learnt to cope with my life – I have a beautiful wife, 2 great kids and am taking every opportunity to enjoy life and continue my career.” – Martyn Flynn, Talent Acquisition Manager, Enterprise, Wales & South West England.