Live Fearless Challenge 2026: Get Active and Raise Awareness of Crohn’s and Colitis
PRESS RELEASE
SYDNEY, 5 AUGUST 2026: The Live Fearless Challenge (LFC) is back this September for its ninth year, and Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) is excited to invite individuals and teams to participate!
As CCA’s primary fundraising event, the aim is to engage over 500 participants and raise in excess of $250,000. These funds will support research, essential services and initiatives for the over 180,000 Australians living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
This year’s month-long challenge is a chance to move with purpose and champion the changes needed to create a better quality of life for the IBD community – made possible thanks to sponsorship and donations from a participant’s network. Staying active matters for those with IBD as the disease can affect bone health, nutrition, psychological wellbeing and energy levels, however high-intensity exercise isn’t always possible on the days you’re not feeling well. That’s why this year’s LFC is about moving in whatever way works for you, not just running – the goal is simply to keep it up every day.
Leanne Raven, CEO of CCA, says the challenge is designed to make room for everyone: “For those with IBD and their loved ones, we know everyone has different abilities and preferences, so you can complete the LFC in whatever way suits you. We want people to get creative and make it their own – walking, cycling, rowing, skipping, rollerblading, bushwalking, kayaking, surfing, yoga, pilates – even gardening or cleaning – any form of movement that works for your body counts!”
This year, CCA has also partnered with a number of Challenge Champions who will advocate on behalf of their local community, sharing their stories and helping to break down the stigma around these illnesses. Adelaide local Sarah Starkey is a strong advocate for staying active through a flare-up and is planning a group coastal walk on September 5 to raise funds and awareness for CCA – her 7th year supporting the cause!
“I am a huge advocate for body positivity and inspiring others on their own journeys. Because of this disease I am a stronger person, a nurse, and have helped sufferers not only locally but all over the world by sharing my story, empowering them to be comfortable in their own skin,” said Sarah.
Our Challenge Champions also include Aaron Sanders – season 13 MasterChef contestant and content creator who uses his platform to spread awareness for IBD. Aaron is excited to share different recipes and food ideas with the community, especially to fuel those moving with purpose this September.
While there is currently no cure, raising awareness and providing support for Australians living with these conditions remains vital. Register as an individual or team at www.livefearlesschallenge.com.au for FREE and move with purpose this September!
Crohn’s and Colitis Australia thanks AbbVie for their support and sponsorship of the LFC.
ENDS
For more information, interviews or case studies of people living with IBD, please contact:
Grace Murphy | Maven PR | [email protected] | 0450 607 302
About Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA): Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing support services, advocacy, and research funding for those affected by Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. CCA strives for a cure and to improve the quality of life for people living with these chronic conditions through education, support programs, and public awareness campaigns.
What is Crohn’s Disease? Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause inflammation anywhere in the digestive system. Inflammation can cause redness, swelling and pain, and is the body’s response to injury or irritation. The inflammation caused by the disease usually affects the end of the small bowel and/or the large bowel. Crohn’s disease can affect the full thickness of the bowel and this can result in narrowing (strictures) which can block the bowel (obstruction) or small holes through the bowel (fistulas) to the skin, other loops of bowel or other organs, sometimes causing a collection of pus called an abscess.
What is Ulcerative Colitis? Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine (colon and rectum). Inflammation can cause redness, swelling and pain, and is the body’s response to injury or irritation. Ulcers (sores) also develop on the surface of the intestines inner lining which may bleed and produce mucus. The inflammation almost always involves the rectum and may extend up the large intestine, either when it first develops or sometimes extends over time.