ANASTACIA the American pop singer is just one of many sufferers of a stomach disease being highlighted this week by a Preston man as part of a national awareness campaign.

Ian Gunn, 44, from Cottam, also suffers with Crohn's and is calling on people to back the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease which helps raise money for research into the crippling illnesses.

After visiting his doctor for gall stone problems Ian suffered agonising stomach pain two years ago and was admitted to the Royal Preston Hospital for a four hour operation after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. These days Ian has to watch his diet or risk falling seriously ill.

Now, for National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease Week, financial advisor Ian is urging other sufferers to join the awareness organisation for advice and support.

"I had no idea I had the disease," said Ian, who has two children. "There isn't one specific cause and now I'm learning to live with it although I have lost three stone in weight and have had to cut out all meat and animal fat.

"Preston needs to play a part in fund-raising so any help would be appreciated."

Crohn's disease affects one in every 1,600 people, with 3,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The disease damages the small intestine.

Dr Shaffer, consultant physician at Hope Hospital, in Manchester, has been treating several patients from Preston for Crohn's disease.

"A lot of money has been spent on research of Crohn's, but it is something that can't be pinned down to one cause.

"The government has poured a lot of money into a new drug called Infliximab which costs about £1,500 per course and has been researched for three or four years. It has now been made available on the NHS, for patients who don't respond to other treatment."

Call the NACC on 08451303344 for details on local support groups.