LISTEN: Scots hit worst by cases of Chrohn's and Colitis - but why?
Every 30 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with Chrohn's and Colitis - and Scots are being hit worst.
Every 30 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with Chrohn's and Colitis - and Scots are being hit worst.
That’s according to new statistics released by the medics – leading Holyrood to set up a cross party group to research the issue in more detail.
Glasgow MSP Pauline McNeill will be the chair – she’s been speaking to Clyde News:
She added: “The numbers of young people who suffer from Crohn’s and Colitis has risen dramatically over recent decades. Scotland has a higher incidence of the condition and it is alarming that it has risen so much amongst children and young people.
“I discovered this fact when attending the children's hospital with my niece.”
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic life-long conditions where the symptoms can vary from person-to-person and will range from mild to severe.
People who suffer from the conditions may have few or no symptoms one day and more active relapses or ‘flare-ups’ on other occasions.
Sir Steve Redgrave, multiple Olympic gold medallist, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 1991.
He said: “With the right medical treatment, I've been able to keep the illness under control and continue with my life, both in training during my career as a professional athlete and in my life beyond the boat.”
Scotland captain Darren Fletcher had to undergo surgery after being diagnosed with the condition but is now back playing football professionally.
A charity gig’s now been organised in Glasgow to help raise awareness, with support from The Catherine McEwan Foundation and Crohn’s and Colitis UK to raise awareness of the condition.
Tonight’s charity gig will be hosted at the Drygate with music from the X-Factor’s Garry Greig and Pauline McNeill’s own band the ‘MC4’.
Two dresses from Coundown’s Rachel Riley and a football signed by this season’s Rangers first team will also be among the raffle prizes up for grabs.
Ticket information can be found at: https://www.angelasarmy.co.uk/buy-tickets