Living with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis is no walk in the park, they are chronic, unpredictable and painful conditions which cause ulceration and inflammation in the digestive system.
The all new WALK IT invites anyone to join in, walking either 5km or 10km to show their support in the fight against Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, the two main forms of IBD.
There are six routes across the country - London, Edinburgh, Manchester, York, Swansea and Rutland - taking place throughout May, June and July.
To help launch the walks, the charity are supported by TV Presenter Rylan Clark-Neal and former TOWIE favourite Sam Faiers, both with personal experience of IBD.
They hope they can encourage walkers to join them as they pound the pavement for a cause close to their hearts.
ITV This Morning presenter Rylan Clark-Neal joins the campaign to highlight the effect IBD has on the whole family:
My mum has lived with severe Crohn’s Disease since 1984, four years before I was born and the condition really shaped my childhood. She has had to undergo multiple operations to remove damaged parts of her bowel and she takes medication every day. When I was growing up, I thought my mum was the only person with the condition. I am supporting WALK IT to help other families know that they are not alone. The walks programme is an amazing opportunity for everyone to come together as a community, and stand together in the fight against Inflammatory Bowel Disease. My mum often felt embarrassed about her diagnosis, but nobody with Crohn’s or Colitis should feel like this. The Walks are a brilliant way to raise awareness of these conditions and vital funds.
Rylan Clark-Neal
Reality star Sam Faiers has been very public regarding her battle with Crohn’s Disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2014:
Being diagnosed with Crohn’s completely changed my life. The condition has caused me agonising pain, changed my body and altered my lifestyle. That said, whilst it’s been a rough journey, it’s also made me take stock, especially with the arrival of baby Paul. I am now really focused on my diet and health and understand that feeling ‘well’ is one of the most important things for me and my family. I’m managing my condition well at the moment, but it’s an ongoing battle that I will live with forever. I wanted to celebrate the launch of WALK IT for Crohn’s & Colitis UK to help further awareness, and raise vital funds to help those living with IBD. The shoot was so much fun. I plan to ‘stroll’ the London 5km route, maybe with Paul in the buggy, but I am so excited for everyone else to join me!
Sam Faiers
WALK IT will take in inspiring routes of iconic sights at each location. Walkers will discover secret gems, taking in the landmarks we all know and love, all whilst raising money for a fantastic cause and having fun together!
The walks will be a true community event for the whole family, with entertainment, food and fun at every location:
- Rutland – Sunday 1 May
- Manchester – Saturday 14 May
- Swansea – Saturday 28 May
- London – Saturday 4 June
- York – Sunday 12 June
- Edinburgh – Saturday 9 July
