Today marks one year since the Colostomy UK Office Team moved to remote working due to the Covid-19. Colostomy UK General Manager, Libby Herbert, reflects the last 12 months and how the charity adapted to continue supporting ostomates despite the global pandemic.

Following the premature birth of her son, Gillian was diagnosed a recto-vaginal fistula, abscess and 4th degree tear. The only option was to have a colostomy to divert faeces away from the wound to help it heal. After struggling for a year, Gillian resolved to start living her life as she had always wanted to and says “I’ve never looked back!”

As today is Mother’s Day we’d like to recognise all the amazing mums (and dads) who are caring for children who have had stoma surgery. Vicki’s son Harry was born in February 2018 and had a colostomy formed. Vicki shares her tips for parents on caring for a child with a stoma.

Colostomy UK is launching two new ‘Active Ostomates: at Home’ sessions in April: Zumba, and Family Arts and Crafts.

These sessions form part of our ‘Active Ostomates’ project, which is aimed at improving the physical and mental well-being of people with a stoma.

In this feature sponsored by Hollister Victoria Danson talks about living as an Ostomate for seven years. “I have shared my story to empower other ostomates. Hollister care and strive to make life more rewarding and dignified for people living with a stoma.”

Naming one’s stoma can lead to improved body confidence, and many people choose to name their stoma as part of the process of adapting post-surgery. Betty Poop, Paloma Stoma, Homer the Stoma and Pepe Le Pew are just a few of the names people have chosen for their stomas.