Meet our community

I have an ileostomy and had my surgery in 2020 after battling ulcerative colitis since I was 18. I am passionate about helping others as they navigate their lives with IBD and a stoma. It helps me give back to the community, who have supported me on my journey.

I had my ileostomy surgery in 2023 due to severe Crohn’s disease, and from that, surgical complications. I learnt so much in the early days, and still now, from an incredible community, that I want to give back to and help others; I feel like we can all learn something from someone else.

I have an ileostomy that I had in 2012 after years of suffering with ulcerative colitis. I feel privileged to be an ambassador because this has given me opportunities to meet, talk to and share experiences with so many different people.

I had an ileostomy as I was born with Hirschsprungs Disease. In 1989 at birth, I had my first, it was reversed at 2 years old with a j-pouch formed. I had my second in 2020, for it to need refashioning 6 weeks later! My goal has always been to use my platform to raise awareness and connect people. Community and sharing are what helps us get through difficult times.

I had an ileostomy due to Crohn’s disease in 2010 at the age of 13. At first, it was a huge adjustment but I’ve learned to embrace life. I’ve been inspired me to raise much needed awareness, helping others feel seen and supported. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my journey and have a voice.

I had my ileostomy surgery in June 2021 due to ulcerative colitis. I’m passionate about educating others on what it’s really like to live with a stoma and empowering those to embrace life with confidence. My goal is to break stigmas, share my experiences, and show that life with a stoma isn’t just manageable – it can be great!

I have a colostomy since 2021 due to bowel cancer and having emergency surgery after my bowel perforating from the intensity of the chemotherapy. I want to use my experience of fighting cancer and living with a stoma to help others of a similar age as me and especially the BAME community with their journey.

I have had two stomas in my life, I had my first, an ileostomy, in 1999 when I was only a day old baby due to Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC), had a reversal at age 13 years in 2012 and then my second stoma, a colostomy, in 2022. I enjoy sharing my story to empower other people like me.

I had emergency ileostomy surgery in November 2022 after failed treatments for ulcerative colitis, and my stoma gave me my life back! I’m passionate about breaking the stigma around stoma bags and proving that life goes on after surgery. If I can help even one person feel confident or reach out for support, I’ll be happy!

I’ve had my ileostomy since 2016 due to Crohn’s disease, following a total of nine bowel operations since 2008. In 2023, I underwent a total proctocolectomy. I’m hoping to share my experiences to support others going through similar challenges and reassure them that it does get better.

In 2017, I had my colostomy and Barbie/Ken butt due to Crohn’s disease. I know being an ambassador helps others and raises awareness of stomas, and hopefully it reduces the stigma around them.

In 2021, I had emergency surgery after a severe ulcerative colitis flare and I now live with an ileostomy. I am on a mission to break stigmas, educate and show others that life does not end when you have a stoma.

In 2022, I had my ileostomy formed at the age of 19 due to a severe ulcerative colitis flare. I feel strongly about motivating people on their stoma journey, like others have done for me.

I got my ileostomy in 2009 due to a perforated bowel during a c-section. My stoma was refashioned in 2016 and 2018 due to perianal Crohn’s disease and I also have a Barbie butt! I was so isolated back in 2009 due to lack of social media so I want to help others feel empowered on their journey and prove that life isn’t impacted after stoma surgery.

I’ve had my ileostomy since 2021 due to complications with my IBD, sepsis and peritonitis. I have Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis but my ostomy has given me my life back after suffering in pain for many years. I get to spread more awareness with having an ostomy and show others that you too can live your best life and feel empowered.

Stacey Stoma, my permanent ileostomy, was formed in 2011 due to severe Crohn’s disease and a large benign tumour – saving my life by hours! Being an Eakin Healthcare ambassador is so rewarding, working alongside incredible people. I love empowering others, sharing both the good and the bad, and supporting Eakin’s innovative approach to ostomy care.

I received my ileostomy in 2020 due to bowel cancer and ongoing issues from this. Being an ambassador, I am passionate about helping others through their stoma journey through lived experience.