This September,
I’m lacing up my walking boots to take on a four-day, 52-mile sponsored walk of
North Yorkshire’s Herriot Way, raising much-needed funds for a cause very close
to my heart: the Urostomy Association (UA).

As someone
living with a urostomy, and in my role as Chair of the UA, I know just how vital
it is that there’s a trusted organisation to which people can turn when they
are told they need surgery to remove their bladder and are facing the challenge
of trying to resume life ‘as normal’ once out of hospital. It can be a very
anxious time that can leave people feeling isolated as well as uncertain about
what the future holds for them, especially when it comes to relationships,
work, travel, pastimes, and all sorts health matters.

For more than
50 years, registered charity the Urostomy Association (www.urostomyassociation.org.uk) has been a friendly, listening ear
when people need it, whether they are preparing for surgery or adapting to life
beyond. The information and peer-to-peer support we provide reassures them that
they don’t need to face this alone and that there’s a welcoming community of
people who understand because they have been through it, too.

As a charity,
the UA is heavily reliant on donations and fundraising to provide our service
that makes such an important difference. In sponsoring me as I take on the
Herriot Way, you will be helping to ensure we can continue to be there for
everyone who needs us. Whatever you can afford to give, it will be so
appreciated. Thank you!