Meet our ambassador, Laura!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Lauren Mackenzie, I’m forty-five years old and I come from the west coast of Scotland. I’ve had two stomas for four and a half years due to stage four bladder cancer.

What do you think makes a great service?

Something you can rely on. It’s a hard journey with stomas, especially at the start, so you need someone at the other end of the phone to help you when you need it.

How long have you been using the Respond service?

Ever since I left the hospital. It’s the service I was given then and it’s been such a reliable service ever since. So four and a half years.

What is it about the Respond service you like?

It’s the personal touch. I’m quite an organised person so I like that I can send my spreadsheet with my order or talk to someone. It’s a really reliable service and I know my order will be delivered on time, which is really important to me.

What three words would you use to describe Respond?

Responsive, because they respond to my needs when I need them. Reliable, because I’m never left without my supplies. And regional – I like speaking to the team in the Perth office and hearing that friendly Scottish voice if I’m having a tough day.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the Respond ambassador programme and family?

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there. I do feel part of the family. I think Respond is a company that looks out for its patients. If I can be a part of bringing that personal touch and letting new users see what’s available to them then that’s very important to me.

What would you say to someone who was looking to change their service?

I would ask “What’s most important to you?” I think most people would say that it’s having somebody at the end of the phone and reliable service. That is something that Respond can provide.

Tell us three things we don’t know about you?

I speak fluent German, and I’m a very passionate home cook so as well as my Awareness for Stomas I have a Scottish Curry Lover Instagram page. I love my holidays in the Caribbean and I’m always told that I speak too much!

Join the Respond Family today!