A Norwich student suffering with a debilitating bowel condition has raised more than £2,300 by taking part in a sponsored walk to show her support for other sufferers.

Kathryn Holeywell, 33, who moved to Norwich in 2002 from Texas, America, to study at the University of East Anglia, took part in the 10k Crohn's and Colitis UK London walk on Saturday.

Supported by her best friend, Anja Gronvold, 34, of Switzerland, the duo raised £2,338 - smashing their £2,000 target.

Ms Holeywell said: 'We had 54 donations from the UK, US, Switzerland, Germany and Japan.

'Anja flew over especially to support me in this event. Because of the high doses of immune suppressants and steroids I take to manage my ulcerative colitis I become fatigued very easily, so it was helpful, emotionally encouraging and just plain fun to have her there too, walking beside me.'

The purpose of the walk was to raise money for UK charity Crohn's and Colitis UK and awareness and support of inflammatory bowel disease.

About 1,200 people participated in the walk, which left from Victoria Embankment Gardens and travelled to different landmarks across London.

'It was exhausting but a positive experience.

'This has been a wonderful experience and we're both looking forward to participating again next year.'

Ms Holeywell, of Fishergate, in the city centre, started studying at the UEA with dreams of an academic career but in 2010 her health began to deteriorate.

Eventually, in 2011, Ms Gronvold persuaded her to go to the accident and emergency department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (N&N).

Ms Holeywell was then admitted to the N&N for four weeks before being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

• Are you doing something exciting to raise money for charity? Email donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk or follow @donnaloubishop.