The X Factor's Lloyd Macey reveals he's battling an incurable disease
He uses singing to help keep it under control
Last updated 7th Nov 2017
He's impressing viewers of The X Factor every week with his stunning vocals, but Welsh singer Lloyd Macey has revealed he suffers from Crohn's disease.
The NHS state Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, and Lloyd first endured the incurable disease four years ago when it left him hospitalised.
Speaking to Mail Online, Lloyd said, "There was so much pain and bloating. My stomach felt so tight and I was barely able to eat anything because it was so painful."
After weeks of hospital visits, Lloyd and his parents discovered he was suffering from Crohn's disease following a number of tests.
Speaking about the diagnosis, Lloyd revealed he didn't know what the disease was at first, but after joining a Crohn's support group on Facebook, he was able to understand the condition by reading other people's stories.
Lloyd was forced to spend two weeks in hospital until his body reached a stable weight, and now he claims singing helps him keep his Crohn's disease under control.
He told Mail Online, "My singing teacher back home taught me how to breathe deeply in order to access my voice, and I use that whenever I feel pain or irritation in my stomach.
‘Whenever I feel a flare-up coming on, I’ll sing – it really helps to control my breathing and ease the pain. Crohn’s is a blessing in disguise because my treatment has made me a better singer."
According to the NHS, there's currently no cure for Crohn's disease, so the aim of treatment is to stop the inflammatory process, relieve symptoms (induce and maintain remission) and avoid surgery wherever possible.
Read more about Crohn's disease here.
Meanwhile Lloyd continues to impress viewers of this year's The X Factor. The 23-year-old sailed though to the third live show after his impressive performance of Enrique Iglesias' 'Hero' last weekend.
Performing some of the track in Spanish, Lloyd showed off his vocals for Viva Latino week.
However, it wasn't great news for Leon Mallett and TraceyLeanne Jefford as they both failed to impress the voting public, meaning they were eliminated from the show.
Leon performed 'Get Lucky' on Saturday night, whilst TraceyLeanne performed Jennifer Lopez’s 'Ain’t Your Mama' on Sunday night.
The X Factor continues next Saturday and Sunday on ITV.
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