Gina Lawrence sets off to walk the Isle of Wight Coastal Path on Monday 21st September 2026, a year later than she and her partner first planned.
The couple had meant to walk it last September, raising money for Southampton Hospital Charity.
But Gina fell ill again. Months back at Southampton General Hospital.
She got in touch with OnTheWight to confirm the new date.
More surgery at Southampton
When OnTheWight first reported her story in May 2025, Gina said ward F11 at Southampton General had saved her life.
She says,
“Once again, F11 were incredible.
“I had to have another surgery, this one being more successful than the last.
“I’ve had my colon removed (a permanent stoma fitted), hysterectomy and gall bladder removed.”
Crohn’s and a life-threatening infection
Crohn’s disease led to major surgery for Gina in October 2024, and a serious infection followed.
The infection left her fighting for her life for the next seven months. Only three hospitals in the UK can treat her volatile form of Crohn’s, and Southampton is one of them.
Physiotherapists there got her walking again.
Last year, Gina said she wanted “to show that disabilities do not have to stop us from living our best lives”.
Nearly £500 raised so far
Gina says,
“Thanks to your support and others, we have so far raised nearly £500.”
“Given that people are struggling in this current climate, that will make a difference.”
Donations go to Southampton Hospital Charity through her JustGiving page. Please support if you can and give Gina a wave if you see her walking around the Island coast next week.
