From September 1st to October 9th I'm taking part in Step Up For Stomas -The 39 challenge for Colostomy UK by walking 1 km a day.  This may not sound like much, but I am still recovering from a 10 hour surgery this summer which has given me the all clear from bowel cancer. 

I had my stoma surgery five years ago, after I was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer at the age of 30.  This is a permanent ileostomy and has allowed me to live my life to the max, including running a half marathon & 8 triathlons which I couldn't do before having my stoma, as I suffered from ulcerative colitis, meaning my life revolved around toilets, and hoping I got there in time.  I wish I had been offered a stoma years before!

There is such a stigma around having a stoma, but I am determined to show that you can life a full and happy life with a bag.  Colostomy UK is an amazing charity that has supported me, and many ostomates and their families.  They have given me opportunities that I couldn’t have imagined when recovering from my first surgery in 2017, including playing rugby with Team Colostomy UK and representing them at the Houses of Parliament.  

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.