Hi! I am Orla and I am going to be jumping out of a plane…

My big sister Emer and one of my closest friends Charlie both have a life long autoimmune condition called Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative Colitis is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the large intestine and bowel causing inflammation and ulcers, as well as many other symptoms.

Currently 1 in 123 people in the UK are diagnosed with a form of IBD.

There is currently no cure for IBD however there are a variety of immunosuppressant medications which suppress the immune system to reduce the flares but this comes with its own risks.

I am aiming to raise a big £1000 for the amazing charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK who are constantly working to support those with IBD and their families. They provide support and information for patients and their families while striving to improve health care provided in hospitals across the UK. They also fund research into IBD’s causes and possible future treatments.

I am skydiving for Emer and Charlie who are both too young to be facing a disease like this and who spend many days in pain, fatigued and hoping for a cure.

I am doing this to raise money for all those suffering from IBD so Crohn’s and Colitis UK can continue to work for a brighter future for all IBD patients 💜

Many thanks,

Orla Xoxo