After spending 7 months in hospital fighting for her life with Crohn’s disease, Gina Lawrence is taking on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path this September to raise money for Southampton Hospitals Charity.
Following major bowel surgery in October 2024, Gina Lawrence developed a serious infection that spread into her bloodstream.
Treated across 3 hospitals, including Southampton General, Gina lost 6 stone and the ability to walk, narrowly avoiding starvation.
Gina credits the care and compassion of ward F11 and the hospital’s physiotherapy team for his recovery.
Now able to walk again, Gina and her partner, Alex – who also has Crohn’s – will complete the coastal route to raise funds for the team who helped save her life.
The walk will begin on the 8th September and – given Gina’s walking ability is still low – is anticipated to take around 6 days to complete.
Speaking to Island Echo, Gina has said:
“If my battle can help prevent just one person going through the same, then it’s been worth it.
“Disabilities don’t have to stop us from living our best lives.
“My Crohn’s is particularly volatile and only 3 hospitals in the UK can treat me.”
Anyone wishing to take donate to the cause can do so here.
Good luck girls