Social media campaign goes global

An online campaign started by a Chesterfield woman to raise awareness about an “invisible” illness has gone global.
Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford is using Facebook and Twitter to put the spotlight on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford is using Facebook and Twitter to put the spotlight on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford is using Facebook and Twitter to put the spotlight on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford is using Facebook and Twitter to put the spotlight on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

She has urged sufferers to post pictures of their stomachs on the social networking sites using the hashtag #GetYourBellyOut and donate to the Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity.

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Her campaign has spread worldwide and so far raised thousands of pounds for the cause.

IBD is the term used to describe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). In both these conditions, parts of the digestive system become sore and inflamed.

Sahara, a long-term sufferer of UC, said: “What started out as a campaign to raise awareness of an invisible illness that so many people suffer with in silence has now turned in to a campaign of inspiration and unity. So far we have raised more than £3,000 which will help fund research to find a cure for these debilitating and incurable diseases – as well as helping the community find a voice.”