Guts UK, the national digestive charity, brings interactive awareness event to Glasgow
Guts UK and Colin the Colon, a giant, walk-through inflatable replica of a colon will be in Glasgow to raise vital awareness of digestive health conditions.
Article Source: Guts UK
Last Updated: 19 June 2025 13:58
Colin the Colon is a much-loved member of the team at Guts UK, the national charity for the digestive system. When inflated, Colin is an incredible 5.5m high, 5.5m wide, and 2.4m long. His role at the charity is simple: to raise awareness of digestive conditions and what they look like, plus spark important conversations surrounding digestive health in a way that is accessible and free of stigma.
Colin the Colon and the team from Guts UK will be at The Forge shopping centre in Glasgow on Thursday 26 June from 8.30am to 6:00pm. This immersive experience enables members of the public to walk through the inflatable colon and explore its many digestive conditions, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease, plus learn what polyps look like.
As well as exploring Colin, team members will also be on hand to raise awareness of digestive health, explain the charity’s services, and discuss queries about the digestive system, including signposting to appropriate support. Information leaflets for common digestive health conditions will also be available to take home.
Talking about Colin coming to Glasgow, Guts UK Chief Executive Suzanne Hudson said: “We always get a really positive reaction to Colin. We can’t wait to bring him to Glasgow and meet everyone at The Forge shopping centre. People can’t help but stop and look twice when they see a large inflatable colon. Colin is a visual representation of our invisible and misunderstood digestive system and he creates much-needed conversations surrounding our gut health, and we love him for that. He is a vital part of our team. Helping the UK to get to grips with guts, one venue at a time.”
Guts UK is the only UK charity funding research into the whole digestive system. Their work focuses on three main areas, which include providing information and support for those living with digestive conditions and symptoms, funding life-changing research into the whole digestive system, and delivering public education and awareness campaigns and events.
Lorna’s story
Lorna, aged 56, from Glasgow shares the support she received from Guts UK and highlights the importance of raising awareness of digestive conditions.
Lorna first experienced worrying symptoms back in 2019 and initially believed she had food poisoning and visited her GP over several weeks. Lorna said: “I lost two and a half stone in weight. If I went out, I had to make sure I was near a toilet. I’d even wake up at night with urgency.”
Talking about her diagnosis, Lorna continued: “Under the care of gastroenterology, I had an endoscopy (a camera down the throat) and a colonoscopy (a camera to check my bowels). After going home, I couldn’t move for a week and a half without soiling myself. I was passing pure watery stool and dreaded eating, even though I was so weak.
“I was also started on prescribed steroids and had times where I felt more okay, until I started to taper off them, then my symptoms came back.
“Four weeks later, the biopsy results showed that I have collagenous microscopic colitis.”
Microscopic colitis (MC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, along with urgency and bowel control issues. People often have nighttime symptoms, which can be unrelenting. People affected often need to find toilets when they leave home to avoid accidents. In some cases, people are unable to leave the house at all due to the severity of their symptoms. Symptoms can be severe and lead to a substantial loss of quality of life.
“After my diagnosis, I was never given any information. I was left to learn about my condition myself. This is when I came across Guts UK charity’s information.
“Microscopic colitis needs to be recognised more for what it is. I feel the professionals don’t know much about it, and nobody picked up on the warning signs sooner. There also needs to be more awareness and support. I don’t want anyone to go through what I have, and I’d love to help contribute to more public awareness of microscopic colitis, as awareness is vital to steer future research on the condition.
“My advice to others is that nobody knows your body better than you, and it’s so important to remember that. If something isn’t right, don’t ignore it. Listen to your body and know that you’re not alone.”
Whilst in Glasgow, Colin and the team are also attending the BSG LIVE. Over 2,500 medical professionals attend this annual conference, which will take place at Glasgow Convention Centre between 23-26 June. The event features more than 80 educational sessions, as well as hands-on training and a large exhibition to provide delegates with the latest updates in clinical care and research in gastroenterology and hepatology.
To find out more about the work of Guts UK and how to get involved, visit gutscharity.org.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Wonder Fools return to The Events by David Greig
Wonder Fools, in association with Cumbernauld Theatre, will tour their new staging of David Greig's modern classic The Events across Scotland next month.
READ MORE
Scotland... the wait is over
After years of passionate requests, capital-letter enthusiasm and a steady stream of “BRU??” in their DMs, IRN-BRU has finally arrived at Cineworld Scotland.
READ MORE
Legendary entertainer Les Dennis joins the cast of Waitress
Les Dennis joins the cast of the smash hit musical comedy, Waitress, with West End star Evelyn Hoskins as 'Dawn', arriving at the King's Theatre Glasgow in October!
READ MORE
WestFest 2026 launches with ambitious plans for fourth annual festival
Glasgow's biggest community-led cultural festival returns in June, with organisers anticipating around 200 events across 60+ West End venues – a significant expansion from last year!
READ MORE
Glasgow 2026 appoints National Lottery operator Allwyn as Official Volunteer Learning and Development Partner
Allwyn UK, operator of The National Lottery, has been named as the Official Volunteer Learning and Development Partner for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
READ MORE
Full programme announced for Glasgow Film Festival 2026
The 22nd edition of Scotland's largest film festival will showcase 126 films from 44 countries, with 16 World, European, and International premieres, 68 UK premieres and 18 Scottish premieres.
READ MORE
The Superlative Collection launches Wellness Month, including a guided stretching session with the Glasgow Warriors
The Superlative Collection is launching its inaugural Wellness Month in Glasgow's Princes Square shopping mall, with a series of events to start 2026 the right way.
READ MORE
Hidden coins found in The Tall Ship Glenlee as the huge masts start their journey down south tomorrow
Placing coins under the main mast before stepping, or lifting the masts, is an ancient tradition thought to bring good luck to the ship.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections celebrates a picture perfect opening weekend
Performers have wowed tens of thousands of fans across more than 80 gigs and events during the first celebratory weekend of Celtic Connections that fused international music, dance and friendship.
READ MORE
Glasgow Science Centre celebrates 25 Years with Science Late: Timewarp
As part of its year-long 25th anniversary celebrations, tickets are now available for Glasgow Science Centre's unforgettable adult-only Science Lates: Timewarp event on Friday 13 March.
READ MORE
Five unique Valentine experiences to enjoy across Scotland
With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, couples have the perfect excuse to celebrate with experiences rather than traditional gifts.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections: BEATrio to play much anticipated Glasgow show
BEATrio will play a much-anticipated show on January 31st in Glasgow's Pavillion Theatre, during the famed Celtic Connections Festival.
READ MORE
DF Concerts summer events generate 164.5million for Scottish economy
DF Concerts has today announced that its programme of summer 2025 live music events generated £164.6 million in total economic impact for Scotland.
READ MORE
The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition returns
The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.
READ MORE
Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for touring holiday over flights abroad in 2026
Survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers commissioned by Scotland's largest touring and holiday home show reveals shift in UK's holiday of choice.
READ MORE
Silverburn sets new fundraising record
Silverburn, has shown the power of its community spirit after raising an incredible £111,306 for its long-standing charity partner, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.
READ MORE
Kochchi Glasgow announces official opening date and debuts Sri Lankan inspired menu
Kochchi Glasgow, the highly anticipated new Sri Lankan dining destination, has officially announced its opening date as Thursday 29th January.
READ MORE
Adoption event offers residents in Greater Glasgow the chance to change a life
A series of relaxed, no commitment, information events are being held by Kibble, a national children’s charity, for individuals and couples keen to explore adoption.
READ MORE
Tour de France unveils route for Scottish stage
The official route of the opening stage of the Tour de France in 2027, known as the Grand Depart, has been revealed with the event starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July.
READ MORE
The Choir of Man announces cast and launches search for local choir ahead of Scottish Premiere in Glasgow
The Olivier Award-nominated smash hit musical The Choir of Man is coming to Glasgow, featuring an exciting new imitative that invites local choirs to join the cast on stage!
READ MORE
World Party: Celtic Connections lights up winter as global festival begins
Glasgow bursts into life today welcoming the world to the biggest traditional winter music festival on the planet - as Celtic Connections kicks off 18 days of music, culture and celebration!
READ MORE
The best of British theatre takes centre stage at Vue
There's lots for theatre lovers to be excited about at Vue, with several productions taking over the big screen in the coming months.
READ MORE
BFFs over Boyfriends: Flight Club is the ultimate Galentines therapy
Flight Club is calling all those focusing on friends this Valentine's to round up their gang of guys or girls and celebrate platonic love with its Galentine's Brunch.
READ MORE
Chesney Hawkes announces Glasgow date for March
'The One and Only', Chesney Hawkes will bring his 'Smash It To Pieces' tour to Oran Mor Glasgow on Sunday 8th March!
READ MORE
The Cool Hand Cup is back!
Marston's is calling on punters to step up to the oche in over 500 pubs, to be in with the chance of winning £10,000 and a game of 501 darts against champion Luke Humphries!
READ MORE
Viral Buckie Bomb beer returns after trending on Reddit across Scotland and Ireland
A cult Buckfast-inspired beer is making a comeback this January after fans demanded its return across Reddit.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts free Little Seedlings Club this February
Children will learn what compost is, the difference between green and brown waste, and what can and can't be composted at February's Little Seedlings Club from Dobbies'!
READ MORE
One ticket to rule them all!
On Saturday 17th January, Showcase Cinemas is screening all three extended films back-to-back, Fellowship, Two Towers and Return of the King, with one ticket covering the full trilogy!
READ MORE
Escalation of George Square redesign fires starting pistol on year of transformation
A new phase in the restoration of George Square will kick off a big year in the continuing transformation of Glasgow city centre.
READ MORE
World Gaelic Week grows as 2026 programme launched
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links