A CHARITY day organised by a young woman who suffers from Crohn’s disease held been held in the North-East.

Andrea Meek, 25, of Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, watched her father struggle with the bowel condition but did not realise she would also one day have to fight it.

On Saturday, she organised a family fun day to raise money for Crohn's and Colitis UK with tombolas, a raffle, bouncy castle, and a face painter among other activities.

It was held at Sacriston Catholic Club and as well as raising money, Ms Meek also hopes it will also raise awareness.

Crohn’s and Colitis are bowel conditions with no known cure with more than 250,000 sufferers across the country.

She said: “I was only young when my dad, Gary, got diagnosed with Crohn's disease. But growing up knowing and learning about it is what helped me to get through being told I also had it back in 2012.

“Since being diagnosed I have managed to complete my foundation degree in events management, and I will return to education come September to do my honours degree in business management, be a full time parent to my little boy and set up my own events business.

“This is why I wanted to do something positive to help all the others who are affected by these horrible conditions and to show them even when you feel like giving up don't, push on and you will see the benefits.”

Crohn's and Colitis UK is the major UK charity which offers information and support to all those affected and also funds vital research.

It can be contacted on 01727 830038 or visit www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk