20 August 2026
70 miles, two rucksacks and one big thank you: Gina and Alex take on the Isle of Wight
On 21 September 2026, Gina and Alex will set off to walk the entire coastline of the Isle of Wight to raise money for Southampton Hospitals Charity.
Both live with Crohn’s disease, a lifelong condition that affects thousands of people across the UK. Having received care at University Hospital Southampton, Gina knows first-hand the difference the hospital’s staff can make during some of the most challenging times in a person’s life. Together, they want to give something back and say thank you to the hospital and the dedicated staff who support people living with Crohn’s disease.
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition that causes inflammation in the digestive system. Symptoms can include stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation and weight loss. These symptoms can come and go and may flare up without warning.
While some people manage the condition with medication, others require major surgery. Although treatments can help control Crohn’s disease, there is currently no cure.
By taking on this challenge, Alex and Gina hope to raise awareness of Crohn’s disease, support future patients who may need specialist treatment or surgery, and thank the hospital staff who have cared for Gina.
Gina’s Crohn’s journey
For Gina, this challenge is deeply personal.
After spending months seriously unwell in hospital, far from home, she was transferred to Ward F11 at University Hospital Southampton. With the staff’s compassion and expertise, she slowly began to feel like herself again. When she later returned for surgery to receive a permanent stoma, she was met with the same kindness and care.
Gina said:
“I eventually had surgery to remove the last of my colon and give me a permanent stoma, a full hysterectomy and take the gall bladder out that had decided to faint at some point. Now, 6 months on from the surgery, I feel like a completely different person. I feel so alive, it’s incredible. For the first time in 23 years, I am not in pain.”
Alex has been by Gina’s side throughout much of that journey. Living with Crohn’s disease herself, she understands first-hand the uncertainty, pain and exhaustion the condition can bring. Together, they have decided to transform those experiences into something positive by walking every mile of the Isle of Wight Coastal Path.
To make the challenge manageable, they will complete the walk over six days, staying in hotels along the route so they can pace themselves and look after their health.
Support their 70 miles
Every mile Alex and Gina walk is a way of saying thank you to hospital staff at University Hospital Southampton.
We’d like to wish Alex and Gina the very best of luck with their challenge and a massive thank you for supporting us!
If their story has inspired you, please consider donating to help raise awareness of Crohn’s disease and support patients and staff at University Hospital Southampton.