LUCY STEPHENS finds out about a new campaign to help the thousands of sufferers of Crohn's disease and colitis.

WHEN you need to go, you need to go.

Trying to find a public toilet while you're in town shopping can be a real hassle but for the thousands of people who have colitis or Crohn's disease, it becomes a matter of the utmost urgency.

Many who have these conditions literally cannot wait to get to the loo if they have an attack while out and about.

That is why The NACC (National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease) and CICRA (Crohn's in Childhood Research Association) are calling for greater awareness of the issue with its Can't Wait campaign.

Under the scheme, the organisations have provided their 33,000 members with "Can't Wait" cards which they can use when there are no public toilets nearby.

The cards explain that the holder needs a toilet urgently due to their illness and ask that they be allowed to use the retailer's private facilities quickly.

The campaign is enthusiastically backed by Angie Cartwright, from Stockton-on-the-Forest, who was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in February, 2003.

"It's just an excruciating pain. You know you've just got to go," she says.

"For me, when I've had a serious flare-up I haven't been able to get out anywhere. For other people who might not be as bad, it's absolutely imperative that this is supported.

"It's about raising people's awareness."

Angie, 33, an assistant accountant, says her York employers, Trustmarque Solutions, have been "fantastic" in helping her to work flexibly to accommodate her debilitating condition but she wants to see greater recognition among other companies.

She was diagnosed after being in bed for six weeks with terrible stomach pain, her mouth full of ulcers, and lumps all over her arms and legs.

Up until September last year, she had regular infusions in hospital administered by drip, and now gives herself steroid injections to help manage the condition, which she knows is flaring up when she feels a particular kind of sharp stomach pain.

"The thing with Crohn's disease is that people think it's just your bowel and your stomach but it isn't, it's on your whole body," says Angie.

But she adds: "For me, I'm quite stubborn and I've learned to deal with it. I don't get upset when I've got a flare-up now.

"If you allow Crohn's to rule your life, it will."

The Can't Wait card campaign is being launched during Colitis and Crohn's week from June 17 to 25 to improve access to high street retailer toilets.

It has the backing of Fame Academy voice coach Carrie Grant, who herself has Crohn's disease.

Carrie says: "There should be access to toilets on the High Street for all people suffering from Crohn's Disease and colitis. I long for a time when every shop in this nation is on board and recognises the card instantly."

Crohn's disease and colitis

CROHN'S disease mainly affects the lower part of the small intestine, of which parts become inflamed, but can also affect any part of the bowel.

Fifty to 60 people in every 100,000 have the disease. Symptoms include stomach pain, loss of appetite and weight, fever and diarrhoea.

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory disease which affects the back passage, and sometimes spreads to the large bowel.

During attacks, symptoms can include diarrhoea, stomach pain, tiredness, poor appetite and weight loss.

The NACC has an information line: 0845 130 2233, and the website www.nacc.org.uk. Traders willing to accept the Can't Wait card can find out about the scheme and offer support at www.cantwait.org.uk