The phenomenal challenge involved running 87 miles, rowing 29 miles and cycling 181 miles from London to Paris. The money raised was shared between Crohn’s & Colitis UK, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and the MS Society.
The donation to Crohn’s & Colitis UK will make a significant contribution towards providing essential support and information to people affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), through the running of the helpline services. The Crohn’s & Colitis UK helpline helps people to understand more about IBD, diagnosis and treatment options, provides information to help people live well with the conditions as well as being there to listen if someone needs to talk.
People with IBD can experience painful, unrelenting symptoms, which can cause huge embarrassment and have a negative impact on their quality of life. The personal nature of the symptoms can cause people to conceal their illness, as they are reluctant to talk about their condition, especially at school or work, leaving them to feel isolated and depressed. Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s helpline, delivered by phone, email and on-line, provides a lifeline for people affected by IBD. The information and support service will reach over 12,000 this year and this number is growing year on year.
I was diagnosed a month ago as I needed support, so I phoned Crohn’s & Colitis UK helpline. I wasn’t sure if it would help. but I was so grateful to the gentleman I spoke to that day - at the beginning of the phone call I was so upset I was finding it difficult to talk, but by the end of the call, I felt much brighter. Both the Information and the emotional support services are amazing; it’s been an incredible comfort to have the charity’s help.
Crohn's & Colitis helpline caller
Arch2Arc was the challenge of a lifetime. We trained almost every day for a year to get in shape for the six-day challenge and it changed our lives. Not only Barry and I, but our families too. To raise over £100,000 made the effort very worthwhile indeed, especially when we could support Crohn's & Colitis UK which is a cause very close to our hearts.
Derek McEwan
Founder, Catherine McEwan Foundation
I am delighted that Derek and I are able to support the Crohn’s & Colitis UK helpline services initiative – I know how important these services are as my daughter was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of five years old - having that support and information is crucial and can be a lifeline for many who suffer from IBD and their families.
Barry Cook
Ambassador, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity
As the leading UK charity in the battle against Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, we rely massively on the support of fundraisers such as Derek to ensure we can provide our vital services to people living with IBD in the UK. The money raised from incredible challenges like this help us reach more people with essential information, emotional and financial support and go towards achieving a better quality of life for those with the conditions. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis can be stressful and isolating. They are not always easy conditions to live with – and many suffer in silence - that’s where we come in, to provide information and support to those who need our help.
Sarah Porch
Director of Support Services, Crohn’s & Colitis UK
