Meet Ashlee Roberts from Port Talbot, a fighter living with Crohn’s disease and navigating a major setback. Despite needing the loo up to 30 times a day and dealing with fainting spells, Ashlee’s claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) was turned down by the powers that be.
This 34-year-old board game café manager is now compelled to work full-time, which doctors deem unsafe with his condition. Ashlee’s story shines a light on the complexities of living with an invisible illness and the challenges faced when systems fail to understand.
“When I read the decision, my heart sank,” Ashlee shared. He had submitted comprehensive medical evidence illustrating how his daily life is severely impacted, yet the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) scored him only two points. Under the PIP criteria, at least eight points are typically needed for support.
A video he shared online contrasts his reality with the assessment’s findings. Ashlee disputes claims of “no evidence to report restrictions” and highlights the contradictions in the report. Though Crohn’s requires intense medical management, including biological medicines and surgeries, Ashlee feels his insights and ability to articulate his condition were unjustly used against him.
Cooking is a challenge as sudden bathroom needs often leave meals unattended. Ashlee emphasises, “I can’t intake food properly – that’s the whole point.” He also describes the anxiety of needing a toilet frequently, effectively confining him to his home.
Additionally, Ashlee has ceased anxiety medication as per medical advice due to interactions with his Crohn’s treatment. This wasn’t factored into his PIP assessment. He’s witnessed dangerous fainting episodes from extreme fatigue and nutritional issues, both at work and in public spaces.
Ashlee calls for PIP reform, urging a reconsideration of how chronic, fluctuating illnesses like Crohn’s are evaluated. He’s waiting on a mandatory reconsideration, aware it might take 15 weeks or more for an outcome. A petition he launched seeks support for changing how conditions like Crohn’s are assessed, standing as a beacon of hope for others in similar battles.
Share your support for change and help raise awareness about the real-life struggles faced by those with chronic illnesses. Ashlee’s journey highlights the urgent need for empathy and reform in the assessment process. 💪🗣️