Colostomy UK 'Step up for Stomas' fundraiser: The 39 Challenge! every 39 minutes someone in the UK has stoma surgery.

In March this year I had three major surgeries, the third surgery was on Monday 28 March, when I was one of many people that underwent stoma surgery on that day in the UK.  The stoma saved my life, however, I didn’t really know much about living with a colostomy or stoma.  It was a slow and shaky start, it was emotional, and in those early days I did struggle to understand my new way of life.  With constant encouragement and reassurance from family, friends, and the endless support from my surgeon, my Stoma Nurses and Colostomy UK, it's a different story now. My recovery is going well, and my stoma, who I've called Stavros, changed my life, we are getting on and settling into a new routine. 

Being active is important to me, before surgery I was running almost every day, and although I won't be running any races for a little while yet, I'm taking part in the 'Step up for Stomas' challenge which starts on 1 September and continues until 9 October.  I have chosen to do a 39 minute walk every day for 39 days to raise funds to support and continue the amazing work of Colostomy UK.  

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and find out about Colostomy UK. If you are able to donate, thank you, it means so much to me and other ostomates.

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.