This week I left The IBS Network.  I had been involved with the charity for 25 years as medical adviser, editor of Gut Reaction, volunteer CEO and chair of trustees.  I had seen it through bad times and better.  And like a marriage, the organisation and I had become part of each other.  But with the charity buoyant, a competent team of office staff in place and  supported by a dedicated board of trustees and an enthusiastic cohort of advisers, it was time to hand over and leave.

This year’s Christmas party was also my leaving do.  I took the opportunity to thank the sfaff, trustees and volunteers for their dedication to the charity over many years, to praise their success and to encourage the patients and health care professionals on the advisory board to continue to support what is a vital service for many people with IBS.   Everybody then…