Sophie had to wait 14 years to get her diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis. 

After years of having her symptoms ignored, she was rushed into A&E and ended up having her bowel removed.

And she’s not alone - ITV News can reveal that half a million people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease are being failed by services across the UK.

And with no cure for the life-long illness, many are left struggling to cope.

So, why are so many left to suffer in silence?

ITV News Producer Esme Jones and ITV News Reporter, Cari Davies tell Mary Nightingale what you need to know…