Crohn’s charity announces closure after raising £750,000

A charity funding research into Crohn’s Disease which was set up by a Jewish team 18 years ago has said it is closing after raising more than £750,000.

ForCrohns was set up by friends Natasha Adley and Lisa Meleck, of Mill Hill and Hampstead Garden Suburb respectively, who decided to act back in 2002 as a response to both their mothers suffering from the chronic stomach condition.

In 2003 they got going with a 10k run around Hyde Park, and in recent years their fundraising events around London have drawn hundreds of supporters, including celebrities such as former England and Tottenham Hotspurs striker Les Ferdinand.

The pair have regularly been able to give six figure sums to researchers through the St Mark’s Hospital Foundation, but this week said “all good things must come to an end” as they thanked supporters for their help.

In a joint statement, the co-founders said the charity “was only intended as a short-term project and in surpassed that in every way: raising national awareness, holding 20+ events and raising more than £750,000 for research”.

They added that the support they received “meant everything to us and motivated us every step of the way”.