Gary Douch, Chairman

Gary Douch created the Colorectal Research Fund with Prof Kumar from his hospital bed in 2006 following his second bowel operation for Crohn's Disease.

He was instrumental in the growth of the charity and lead the way with the rebranding and new website under the name of BowelDisease.org.uk you see today.

'Many people were unsure of what the Colorectal Research Fund did or what we stood for without explaining to them, by changing the name to BowelDisease.org.uk, not only can people relate to the charity but can easily figure out the website address making it easier for everyone involved in the charity and those wanting information about the conditions we are trying to cure'.

Gary is a former rugby player who attended the London Nautical School in London. Married with two boys, Gary lives in Raynes Park. Working as a project manager, Gary also finds time to coach a rugby and cricket at Old Rutlishians in Merton Park.

'I love coaching sport, although stress does not help the Crohn's the excitment of competitive sports is very rewarding and I am not going to let this disease stop me from doing what I love'.

I will not rest until we have found cures for all kinds of Bowel Disease!