It’s hard to know where to start this account of my Channel swim, as in reality it started back in 2020 when the idea was first suggested to me. However, that’s a story for another time, so this will concentrate purely on the day of my actual swim and the swim itself.    All Channel swimmers book what is called a “window” for their swim, usually about 2.5 years before the swim – it’s a competitive race to snag a slot. I had chosen Stuart Gleeson as my pilot on Sea Leopard and booked my slot on 1st March 2021. My original window was 23-28th August 2023, and I was swimmer num ..read more

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-66783980 https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2023-09-12/mum-becomes-first-solo-english-channel-stoma-swimmer ..read more

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/fitness/a45225005/swimming-with-a-stoma ..read more

Joanna Lonsdale and Jane Downs from the BBC have created a stunning audio series covering my story from the birth to my current challenge - to become the first person with a stoma to swim the English Channel solo! The Stoma Swimmer is a 5 part audio series on BBC Sounds - here. There were many people interviewed as part of the series, and I chatted to the artist Tracey Emin, about how we met on social media and the challenges we have both faced with our stomas. Tracey has been a huge supporter of my charity Chameleon Buddies since it was registered in June 2022. Others who have taken part in t ..read more

On Monday 25th October 2021 at 1pm I will be talking to Jeremy Vine on his lunchtime show about what life is like with a stoma. The biggest lunchtime radio show in the UK ..read more

I asked fellow ostomates for their top tips following ostomy surgery and they came up with some brilliant ideas! If you are facing stoma surgery and you scan this list, it might overwhelm you, and make it seem like you will have lots of problems and obstacles which will require solutions. Remember that these are simply suggestions different people have got for situations they have dealt with with their stoma. Some ideas may not be suitable for you, but some are great. Always check with your doctor or stoma nurse if you need medical advice. Before the surgery · If you have the opportunity ahead ..read more

On Friday 7th January 2023, I launched my new campaign in conjunction with Northumberland County Council and Active Northumberland, to encourage people with hidden disabilities to get active. The event took place at Willowburn Leisure Centre, Alnwick, because in particular I want to encourage people to take to the water. As always, I specifically spoke about the stigma and concerns which people with ostomies often have to face, such as the fear of their bag leaking in the water. I am passionate about encouraging people with hidden disabilities to feel more accepted at our public venues and pl ..read more

Jeremy Vine - Covid Cases and Guide Dogs - BBC Sounds ..read more

I am delighted to share with you all the World Ostomy Day Virtual Panel which I was privileged to part of. Hollister Incorporated and Dansac set up a panel with four members, discussing topics ranging from misconceptions of stomas, to how the ostomy community can help each other. Please do grab a cuppa and settle down to watch, I guarantee that you will learn something new and possibly also have a giggle or two! https://youtu.be/i7Ktd2tweH8 ..read more

https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/castle ..read more