A Leicester reality TV star is preparing to take on one of the world’s most iconic races as part of a huge field of runners set to descend on the capital later this month.
The London Marathon will see tens of thousands of participants pound the streets of the city, and among them will be former The Traitors contestant Tyler Smith.
The 29-year-old, from Leicester, is using the challenge to shine a light on life with Ulcerative Colitis – a condition he has lived with since his teenage years.
Picture: Tyler Smith Instagram
As a 19-year-old lad, Tyler was worried when he started feeling horrendous pain in his stomach.
“Your diet often isn’t the best when you’re a teenager, and mine definitely wasn’t, so at first I put it down to what I was eating,’” he said.
After initially being told it was just an upset stomach, Tyler pushed for further tests and was eventually diagnosed following a colonoscopy.
“‘As soon as it began, they knew instantly what was wrong… Then they told me it was Ulcerative Colitis,’” he recalled.
Describing the condition as an “invisible illness”, Tyler says it continues to affect him daily, bringing flare-ups, fatigue and uncertainty that many people never see.
Being diagnosed with a lifelong condition was overwhelming, but he found support through Crohn’s & Colitis UK.
“‘Reading other people’s stories, knowing there is a helpline available, and also seeing familiar faces… really comforted me,’” he said. “I just needed to talk to someone. It really helped to let it all out.”
Now, more than a decade on and after finding fame on The Traitors, Tyler is determined to show that the condition does not have to define what someone can achieve.
“I want to show people that you can do anything you like still,” he said.
He added that his experience on the show tested him both physically and mentally, particularly when he feared a flare-up after forgetting his medication.
“‘Thankfully, the welfare team were great during filming… I took it, so avoided a flare-up and I was ok,’” he said, adding that fellow contestants were supportive when he shared his condition with them.
Taking on the 26.2-mile course, on Sunday, April 26, Tyler says he is running not just for himself, but for others living with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease – particularly those who may feel limited by their condition.
He hopes his efforts will help raise awareness of inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as funds for research, improved treatment and support for those affected.
Tyler is just one of thousands of runners expected to take part in this year’s marathon, which annually attracts elite athletes, celebrities and fundraisers from across the UK and beyond.
To follow his journey, visit: https://www.tiktok.com/@tyler.smithy_
