Hi, my name is Tyler, I’m 13 years old, and on 25th July I’ll be taking part in a Kids Tough Mudder to raise money for Colostomy UK.

I was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease when I was just two weeks old. It’s a rare condition where part of the bowel doesn’t work properly, which means babies need serious surgery very early in life.

Because of this, I’ve had lots of operations and medication growing up. Just before my 6th birthday, I had surgery and a decision was made that it was best for me to have a stoma bag, I had this for three years. It wasn’t easy, but it helped me keep going and gave me a break from all the medication. I now have an ACE button, which helps me live a more normal life.

This charity is really important to me because Colostomy UK supports people like me. It also means even more now because my uncle has been diagnosed with cancer and has a stoma too. Seeing what he’s been through made me want to help other people going through similar things. If I can help one 5 year old boy that may be feeling as scared as I was then that will make this all worthwhile.

I’m doing this Tough Mudder to raise money so Colostomy UK can keep helping kids and adults feel supported and not alone.

Any donation would mean a lot to me, and thank you so much for supporting my challenge.

Thanks,

Tyler