Meet our inspirational ambassadors

Emma

I had emergency colostomy surgery in 2018 due to my bowel rupturing from diverticulitis that I didn’t know I had for 8 years. I am so proud to be able to support so many fellow ostomates, and to promote we can thrive after having stoma surgery.
Fun fact: I love exercising, looking after my grandchildren and going on cruises!
@emma.robins31

Lee

I underwent surgery for a colostomy in early 2022 due to multiple sclerosis. I’m motivated to share my journey as an ambassador to break the stigma surrounding stomas and help new ostomates feel confident and empowered in their "new normal".
Fun fact: I'm an avid sneaker and tattoo collector.
@thelacedostomate

Louise

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.
Fun fact: I fall asleep listening to true crime!
@crohnsfighting

Poppy

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.
Fun fact: I have a degree in Musical Theatre and absolutely love embracing my creative side!
@stoma_scene

Alice

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.
Fun fact: I love a true crime podcast!
@living.with.ileostomy

Kevin

I live with an ileostomy due to Crohn’s disease. In 2023, I underwent a "Kendoll bum" surgery, marking a significant milestone in my journey. Embracing this transformation, I navigate life with resilience, positivity, and a renewed sense of hope.
Fun fact: I have so many sporting hobbies that my schedule looks like a pro athlete's training calendar!
@thestomaguy

Ayesha

I’ve been living with a stoma since undergoing emergency surgery in November 2022. Within a year of surgery I moved into my first home, got engaged in Paris (favourite city) and became a dog mum!
Fun fact: I love baking and make a really good chocolate brownie.
@ayeshaduffy

Amy

I had my life-saving, permanent ileostomy since 2011 due to Crohn’s disease, diagnosed age 7. I am a wife, a dog mum, a coffee and tea lover, music lover and also love styling an outfit. I love to help others on their ostomy journey.
Fun fact: I go to singing lessons in my spare time and performed live for the first time a couple of years ago.
@ibdwarriorprincess

Rachel

I am a mother of two, who uses her little corner of social media to support and connect with people in time of need.
Fun fact: I have lived with an ostomy, to go on to have a j pouch, to go full circle to an ostomy again. It gave me my life back and I will never take it for granted.
@gutsy.mum

Chris

I have a colostomy due to Crohn's disease, I have also had Barbie/Ken butt surgery. Colostomy surgery has given me my life back and I intend to live it!
Fun fact: This took some thinking, I love Pickled Onion Monster Munch.
@chris_talks1

Phillipa

I am 27 and I live in Merseyside on the Wirral. I live my best life with an ileostomy bag. I have had IBD since the age of 9 and last year I was clinically diagnosed with endometriosis.

Fun fact: I grew up a trained dancer from age 3 until age 17.

@phillipakayx

Nikki

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.

Fun fact: I am double jointed in a few of my fingers, and my hands always look a bit weird.

Summer

My day job is within business development and events management in London but outside of that, I’m passionate about sharing my stoma journey. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2019, and after just two years, I needed stoma surgery in 2021.

Fun fact: I have a psychology degree and I’m totally dog obsessed!

Angelina

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.

Fun fact: I once owned Aura Clothing, a brand specifically designed for ostomates that blended comfort and style.

Maryrose

I have an ileostomy and I spread awareness about life with a stoma bag showing you can live a beautiful life and do all the things you did pre-stoma bag!

Fun fact: I was born with one kidney.

Mohammad

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 38 and after two rounds of chemo I contracted staph infection where my bowel had perforated. My stoma saved my life and my mission is to help educate and stop the stigma around it.

Fun fact: When I'm feeling under the weather, I curl up with a blanket, grab a Ben & Jerry's and watch The Devil Wears Prada (I have a secret crush on Meryl Streep).

Ant

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.

Fun fact: I love exercising, especially weight training and rugby. Yes, you can do these activities with a stoma.

Keith

I'm an award-winning bus driver from Llanelli. I had my ileostomy in 2012, having suffered with ulcerative colitis, and have enjoyed being an ambassador for Respond; raising awareness of hidden disabilities has become a passion.

Fun fact: I recently won an episode of Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel - and of course I’ve had a selfie with him.