Sidney Shaw

Live Fearless Challenge September 2026

Hi everyone 💜

This September, I'm taking on the Live Fearless Challenge by committing to a minimum of one hour of activity every day while raising funds for Crohn's & Colitis Australia.

If you know me, you'll know this cause is incredibly close to my heart. Living with Crohn's disease has changed every part of my life. It has meant hospital admissions, countless medications, injections, procedures, failed treatments, and learning to navigate a body that doesn't always do what I want it to. One of the hardest things Crohn's took from me was my athletics career after becoming too unwell to continue competing.

For a long time, and honestly still, I struggle with feeling like I'd lost trust in my own body. But over the past two years, the gym has become an incredible outlet for me. It has given me a space to rebuild both physically and mentally, and, in many ways, it has helped me regain a sense of control over my body after years of feeling like Crohn's was making all the decisions. Being able to move is something I never take for granted, which is why this challenge feels so meaningful.

I'll also be completing this challenge during one of the busiest periods of my life. I'm currently in my honours year, with my research thesis due in October, so fitting in at least an hour of activity every day will definitely be a challenge. But it's one I'm excited to take on, knowing every hour of movement is helping raise awareness and funds for a cause that has shaped my life.

More than 180,000 Australians live with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). There is still no cure, and despite the significant impact these conditions have on people's lives, they remain under-recognised and underfunded.

I'm raising money for Crohn's & Colitis Australia to help fund vital research, provide support for people and families living with IBD, and advocate for earlier diagnosis and better care.

If you're able to donate, no matter how big or small, I'd be incredibly grateful. Every contribution helps make a difference. If donating isn't possible, sharing my fundraiser would mean just as much.

Thank you so much for supporting me, this challenge, and everyone living with IBD. 💜