Sam Faiers is renowned for her love of all things fitness, and now the 25-year-old is using her skills to help a good cause. The reality TV star has teamed up with presenter Rylan Clark-Neal to support the launch of WALK IT, a nationwide campaign encouraging the public to walk 5km or 10km to help raise awareness and vital funds for Crohn's & Colitis UK.
Sam Faiers and Rylan Clark-Neal have teamed up for charity
There's no doubt the cause is close to Sam's heart, as she was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in February 2014. The star has since opened up about living with the condition, and revealed in a statement for the launch of the campaign that since giving birth to baby boy Paul back in December, motherhood has made her even more determined to find a cure for the illness.
"Being diagnosed with Crohn’s completely changed my life," she said. "The condition has caused me agonising pain, changed my body and altered my lifestyle. That said, whilst it's been a rough journey, it's also made me take stock, especially with the arrival of baby Paul.
"I am now really focused on my diet and health and understand that feeling 'well' is one of the most important things for me and my family. I’m managing my condition well at the moment, but it’s an ongoing battle that I will live with forever."
Sam was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 2014
She added: "I wanted to celebrate the launch of WALK IT for Crohn's & Colitis UK to help further awareness, and raise vital funds to help those living with IBD. The shoot was so much fun. I plan to 'stroll' the London 5km route, maybe with Paul in the buggy, but I am so excited for everyone else to join me!"
Meanwhile This Morning presenter Rylan explained that he was drawn to the campaign because his mother has struggled with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) for years.
"My mum has lived with severe Crohn’s Disease since 1984, four years before I was born and the condition really shaped my childhood," he explained. "She has had to undergo multiple operations to remove damaged parts of her bowel and she takes medication every day.
Sam and Rylan have launched the WALK IT campaign to raise awareness for Crohn's & Colitis UK
"When I was growing up, I thought my mum was the only person with the condition. I am supporting WALK IT to help other families know that they are not alone. The walks programme is an amazing opportunity for everyone to come together as a community, and stand together in the fight against Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
"My mum often felt embarrassed about her diagnosis, but nobody with Crohn’s or Colitis should feel like this. The Walks are a brilliant way to raise awareness of these conditions and vital funds."
Sam Faiers and Rylan Clark-Neal are supporting the launch of WALK IT for Crohn's & Colitis UK. To find your nearest walk visit crohnsandcolitis.org.uk