Singer-songwriter spreads joy to IBD patients at University Hospital Southampton

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) were treated to a special performance this week as musician Tom Speight brought his Live at the Wards tour to the hospital.

The singer-songwriter, who is also an ambassador for Crohn’s & Colitis UK, has spent much of his life in hospital undergoing treatment for Crohn’s disease, including multiple surgeries, after being diagnosed with the condition at 19.

He is performing intimate acoustic sets for fellow IBD patients across the UK, describing the tour as a “deep and personal thank you to the NHS”. His aim is to bring joy, conversation and connection to those receiving care for Crohn’s and colitis, as well as raising awareness of the condition among the public.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, primarily Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

These conditions affect over 500,000 people in the UK and can lead to debilitating symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue and frequent hospital stays and, in some cases, can be life-threatening.

Living with IBD often means navigating unpredictable flare-ups and long-term treatment, making emotional support and connection – like that offered through Tom’s music – especially meaningful.

Part of his role as ambassador for Crohn’s & Colitis UK is to campaign for earlier diagnosis with the charity calling for a new clinical pathway to avoid delayed diagnosis and to ensure treatment is started at the earliest possible point.

Last year, Tom spoke in parliament on behalf of the charity, praising the NHS for his care and advocating for more awareness.

The musician, who has worked with fellow artists Ed Sheeran and James Bay, is also hoping to break the stigma around stoma bags which can often lead to feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment. By speaking out he is hoping to encourage acceptance after admitting his stomas has “given his life back”.

Tom said: “Speaking in Parliament on behalf of the charity Crohn’s & Colitis UK was a real honour and a chance to represent the community I’m part of. With Live at the Wards, I want to bring that message of awareness and support directly into hospitals to the patients and staff on the front line.”

Tom has dedicated his last two albums to the NHS and, unlike traditional music events, Live at the Wards is about more than just the music as he plans to spend time with patients to share experiences and engage conversations to create a sense of community in what can often be an isolating environment.

He added: “The NHS has had a huge impact on my life and this is my way of saying thank you through music, conversation and connection.”

UHS runs a leading specialist gastrointestinal service for conditions including IBD and sees more than 7,000 patients each year – both as inpatients and outpatients.

The multi-disciplinary team support people with every aspect of their IBD care; from initial assessment and diagnosis to treatment, rapid care during flares, nutritional support and education and ongoing support.

Anne Sanderson, clinical nurse specialist at UHS, said: “The team at UHS are deeply committed to supporting individuals living with IBD with comprehensive care and education throughout the entire journey – from giving support at the point of diagnosis to offering crucial care during flare-ups.

“Through initiatives such as IBD open days, research and patient engagement meetings, we deliver valuable education and support that play a vital role in promoting the wellbeing and empowerment of people living with IBD.”

She added: “We are delighted that Tom has chosen UHS as the platform to raise awareness about a condition that is often invisible and misunderstood. His involvement helps shine a much-needed light on the realities of living with this condition.”

Marianne Radcliffe, chief executive of Crohn’s & Colitis UK, said: “Tom is such a passionate and committed ambassador for our charity. Being diagnosed with a lifelong, incurable condition like Crohn’s or colitis can leave you feeling scared, alone and uncertain about what the future will bring.

“Tom knows what that feels like because he has been there. By using his platform to speak out about the challenges he has faced and connect with other people, he’s made a difference to so many.”