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On 19 May, we come together for World IBD Day. It is an opportunity to shine a light on Crohn’s and Colitis and the impact these lifelong conditions have on people’s lives.
More than 500,000 people in the UK are living with Crohn’s or Colitis, with 25,000 more diagnosed each year. Yet, despite this, Crohn’s and Colitis are misunderstood and stigma around the conditions still exists.
This year, we are focusing on courage.
Courage comes in many forms. Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis, seeking answers for ongoing symptoms, managing a flare or sharing your experience with others, each day brings its own challenges and can be tough. It takes a huge amount of courage to manage an unpredictable condition, and we want to celebrate that.
Courage doesn’t always look loud or bold. Sometimes, courage is quiet: getting out of bed when your body hurts, speaking up when it’s uncomfortable, asking for help, or just getting through another tough day.
Amy Dowden x Crohn's and Colitis UK
There are more than half a million people in the UK living with Crohn's or Colitis. They're invisible, lifelong conditions with no known cure. Getting a diagnosis is life changing. Amy Dowden MBE knows that. She was a teenager when she was told she had Crohn's Disease.
Since finding fame on Strictly, Amy has been a passionate advocate for the Inflammatory Bowel Disease community. She is a proud Ambassador for Crohn's & Colitis UK and has been honoured by the King for her work with the charity.
Every year, 25,000 people in the UK are told they have Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and there will be many who feel less afraid about what lies ahead because of Amy's work.
Featuring a sweet pea, one of Amy's favourite flowers, as well as purple hearts representing the IBD community, this special collaboration celebrates the courage it takes to live with Crohn's or Colitis.
Find out more about the launch, here.
"I'm so proud to be an Ambassador for Crohn's & Colitis UK. I'd say to anyone else with Inflammatory Bowel Disease that you might feel overwhelmed sometimes, but you're not alone. There's so much strength in the Crohn's and Colitis UK community and it's such an amazing charity. Raising awareness is vital and it takes real courage to live with Crohn's or Colitis every day, so I wanted to celebrate that with this design."
Amy Dowden, MBE
A minimum of 20% of the sales (excluding VAT) of the Amy Dowden X Crohn’s & Colitis UK campaign will be donated by Everpress Limited to Crohn’s & Colitis UK
However you choose to show courage, whether it's starting a conversation, sharing our social media graphics or taking on one of our challenges, it matters, and it makes a difference.
Your courage pledge is personal to you, and it can be anything that feels meaningful.
Making a pledge this World IBD Day helps to raise vital awareness and stand with the Crohn’s and Colitis community.
Check out our courage pledge ideas in our online toolkit, or come up with your own.
Our online toolkit has been created so you can support World IBD Day in whatever capacity suits you.
Why not share some of our social graphics to show your support and raise awareness of the conditions? Or use our poster templates to get your organisation involved in fundraising for World IBD Day.
Help us continue to support everyone affected by Crohn's and Colitis.
For World IBD Day 2025, Toby, who lives with Crohn's, reflects on his journey so far.
From surgeries that took a toll on his mental health, to at times wondering whether things would ever feel better, Toby shares how he's now in a place where his life is full of hope and opportunity.
We know it can be difficult to live with Crohn's or Colitis, especially when you're faced with people misunderstanding what impact these conditions can have on your life. But you’re not alone. Our helpline can provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Our helpline is available 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday on 0300 222 5700 or via LiveChat on our website.
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Our helpline team can help by:
Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.
Listening and talking through your situation.
Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.
Providing details of other specialist organisations.
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
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