A portrait of Josh Llewellyn-Jones

Let’s talk to…Josh Llewellyn-Jones, endurance athlete

Hi Josh, tell us about you and your work. 

I’m an endurance athlete and attempt challenges to raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis. Having been diagnosed with the disease at birth, sport and exercise has always been the key to my health so I try to get as many children with cf into exercise. 

 

How and why did your interest in gut health start?

People with cystic fibrosis have digestive issues and have to take enzymes to digest food. Most of my problems with the disease have been around my gut. I’ve had two lifesaving operations so to me, gut health is one of the most important things to look after.

 

What are your three top tips for looking after your physical health? 

Do activities you enjoy, do those activities with other people. Also, enjoy the journey to your goals not just the finish line.

 

And your mental health? 

Talk, talk, talk. I know I said it three times but having suffered myself over the years from depression, I understand the need to be open with your feelings. There are far more people going through difficult times than you realise.

 

When have you struggled with your health the most? 

My physical health took a huge turn when I was 21. I had a blocked bowel and had to be operated on. I wasn’t given much chance of surviving and it took me a while to recover. I ended up with a colostomy bag for 12 months which also impacted my mental health.

 

How did you hear about Symprove and how long have you been taking it? 

I first heard about Symprove via social media. I’d seen a few people taking it so decided to do a bit of research.. I’ve been taking it for around five months now.

 

What motivated you to get involved with Symprove?

As gut health is so important to me with my condition, it was a no brainer for me to get involved.

 

What do you do in your ten-minute wait after you've taken your Symprove?

I do some training with my beagle puppy ‘Woody’ before feeding him. He also loves my empty Symprove bottles.

 

Morning person, or night owl? 

Definitely a morning person. There’s nothing better than getting up early and going for a walk on the beach before most people are up!

 

Mango and Passion Fruit or Original?

Mango and Passion Fruit every time!