How our gut army is celebrating our 50th year!

We are halfway through 2021 already! A lot has happened during these 6 months here at Guts UK, but as always, our incredible fundraisers have continued getting to grips with guts. We are so grateful for every single person supporting our small but mighty charity. Together, we will end the pain and suffering for the millions affected by digestive diseases.

Joshua:

Joshua was inspired by Guts UK’s Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer research, as his dad has been diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus. He wanted to be part of funding potentially life-saving research like Guts UK’s.

“I have developed somewhat a penchant for running since lockdown begun. That said, the thought of running an organised half marathon is still rather daunting. Alas, I have been training hard in preparation for the 13^th June!”

Despite these nerves, Joshua did an incredible job at the St Alban’s Half Marathon, raising over £1,700 – what an inspiration!

Pam:

The lovely Pam literally ‘jumped’ at the chance to support Guts UK’s work! Pam turned 60 years old in January 2021, the same year that we are celebrating our 50^th. Realising we were both celebrating a big birthday this year, Pam contacted us about taking on a SkyDive for us in 2021 and donating her birthday to Guts UK in this unique way.

Pam had a hiatus hernia, so understands first-hand how debilitating digestive symptoms can be. We’re so grateful Pam chose to think of the thousands of others who may be struggling by supporting Guts UK’s work.

She raised just shy of a remarkable £1,000 for Guts UK – thank you Pam!

Gerry:

Gerry and his loved ones came together this year to celebrate what would have been Gerry and their amazing mum, Jill’s 50^th wedding anniversary. Sadly the family lost Jill last year to pancreatitis.

To celebrate 50 years of love, they tasked friends and family to take on ‘Jill’s Golden 50^th challenge’, taking on the 50 theme with their fundraising. Samantha, Jill’s daughter led the way by covering 50 miles, walking (and even some running!) for the month running up to her parents’ wedding anniversary.

This incredible family raised £8,640.35 for Guts UK! What an amazing achievement. Their support will go so far in bringing about important change in this misunderstood area of health.

Aleisha:

Aleisha was diagnosed with achalasia last year. When she discovered Guts UK’s stem cell research into achalasia, she wanted to fundraise for our work into this misunderstood disease. Aleisha wanted to make a statement with her fundraiser so decided to shave her head! Aleisha raised over £1,200 – looking gorgeous with her new hairdo!

Laura:

Laura and her brother took on the KiltWalk, a challenging 37.5 miles, to raise funds for Guts UK. Their dad was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal oesophageal cancer in the summer of 2020. They wanted to do something to help the stop the pain and suffering for so many families who have to face this awful disease. Their hard work paid off, raising an extraordinary £1,850 for Guts UK.

These are just a handful of some of our incredible fundraisers from this year. If any of these have inspired you to take on your own challenge for Guts UK’s 50th year, get in touch today! 

On the year of our 50th birthday, we’re asking you to join us. Fund life-saving research that will end the pain and suffering for millions by digestive diseases. Thank you.