HUNDREDS of people gathered in York this weekend to raise money and awareness of a disease that affects people around the country.

More than 350 people took part in the sixth annual Crohn’s and Colitis UK 5km York Walk, which set off from Museum Gardens at noon on Sunday.

One of the youngest patients affected by the condition who took part in the walk was Amelie Slinger, who celebrated her first birthday on Friday.

Amelie’s mother Sharon, 29, said: “We want to make sure Amelie has a first birthday party to remember, by joining in with the activities at the York Walk.

“Last November Amelie spent two months in hospital, after we noticed she had blood and mucus in her nappy. We took her to A&E, and she was admitted to the LGI with ulcerative colitis. It was very scary.

“Amelie was put on steroids in the hospital, then fed through an IV drip for three weeks.” Amelie had gone from being dangerously underweight to being closer to the average weight for children of her age.

Sharon, originally from Moor Monkton, entered a civil partnership with Amelie’s birth mother, Helen, at the Museum Gardens on May 29, 2009.

Sharon said: “When we heard about the walk, and realised it was so close to our anniversary and Amelie’s first birthday, we had to do it.

“She’s doing well now, but still sees a consultant every three months. They’ve said it’s something that will probably be with her for the rest of her life, but she will be in remission for long periods.

“Because she’s so young, they’re not sure how it will pan out when she gets older. Hopefully it will be a one-off case, but we just don’t know.”

Cath Mortimer, local organiser of the walk, said: “Amelie’s parents have already benefited from information and support from Crohn’s and Colitis UK, and this event will be a chance for them to meet more people in the same situation.

“Family and friends make all the difference when you have a child with an illness, so it’s fantastic to have an occasion like this, where everyone can relax, chat and celebrate the love that helps patients to keep going.”

The event aims to raise awareness of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Amelie’s condition, and of the charity that supports patients and their families.

For more information, go to crohnsandcolitis.org.uk