Sons’ colitis hell inspires Alex to take charity role
McLeish talks of his boys’ struggles
FORMER Scotland boss Alex McLeish has opened up about his two sons’ battle with colitis as he takes up a new role raising awareness of the condition.
McLeish’s sons Jon, 40, and Jamie, 36, have ulcerative colitis – a life-changing bowel condition also suffered by former Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher.
As he became an ambassador for the Catherine McEwan Foundation – a charity which
BY helps people living with Crohn’s and Colitis – he spoke about his sons and his pride in what they have achieved despite suffering the painful condition.
Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease in the large intestine.
McLeish said Jon, who has been involved with the charity, brought him on board as an ambassador.
He added: “Jon was the first victim (in 2009), then Jamie (in 2015). It seemed to come from nowhere and they battled with it. Jamie went as far as getting a stoma bag and the thing was, the great technology now means it can be reversible. He did this for what seemed like an eternity.
“I think Darren Fletcher did the same. He is inspirational and my two boys are my inspiration as well.
“It was painful for Jill and I as parents to watch our sons go through that. When you see them suffer, you also feel the emotions and pain. I’m really proud of Jon and Jamie.” The Catherine McEwan Foundation was established by Catherine’s son Derek who grew up watching his mum wasting away. She died at just 37 of Crohn’s, when he was 16.
Derek, 46, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Alex to the Foundation as our first ambassador.
“The family are close friends and long-term supporters, so when Jon told us his dad would like to help we were blown away.”