Just before Christmas last year, my partner Bobby was suddenly rushed into hospital and needed emergency surgery. His bowel had ruptured and he had sepsis, he underwent life saving emergency surgery which resulted in him having a large section of his bowel removed and meant he needed to have a stoma. 

We wanted to raise awareness for Colostomy UK, stomas and help show that having a Stoma doesn't mean you have to stop doing the things you love! Since having his stoma, it has been a huge life adjustment for us. But with everything that happened, it made us so greatful for life, each other, and made us not take anything for granted. 

We wanted to do something positive, and have decided to do a joint sponsored swim!! We will be swimming a total of 15 miles over the next 30 days, we will complete the 15 miles by 31st March. 

Swimming was something we didn't know would be possible with a Stoma. As well as raising some funds for Colostomy UK, we also wanted to help give other people with Stomas the confidence to get back in the pool! As well as help other swimmers understand why someone might have belt on in the pool and help normalise it.

Colostomy UK is a national charity that offers support and advice to people with stomas and to their families, carers and friends. Colostomy UK also campaigns and acts as advocates for ostomates on the many issues they face going about their daily lives. We want hidden conditions to be understood and accepted by all. Our vision is of communities in which everyone is empowered to reach their potential.

They also have a brilliant Facebook Group too, which has provided so much amazing information, and helped us understand so much more especially in the early stages after the surgery. As well as see and hear stories from so many different people who have stomas for a massive range of reasons.

We would absolutely love it if you would like to donate, all money will be going to Colostomy UK. If you are not in a position to donate then a share on your social media would be massively appreciated too ❤

Thank you so much, and wish us luck 😅🏊‍♂️