Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In December 2009 after thinking she had food poisoning my Mum was taken into hospital where she was immediately rushed to surgery and it was discovered that she had a perforated bowel, she was then diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. This was a real shock to all of us and was upsetting to deal with as she was so young at only 44 years old. 

As a result of this my Mum now had a stoma, being the type of person that my Mum is she dealt with her cancer in the most positive way she could and decided that her stoma would be called 'Sally'. Sally was now a part of her and she dealt with it so well, she didn't let it stop her doing anything. In the middle of her chemotherapy she continued with her rowing, competing at the Scottish Championships and it didn't stop her jet setting off on holiday where she went swimming with Sally. In August 2010 my Mum was able to have a reversal and we said our farewells to Sally but it is estimated that 1 in 500 people in the UK are living with a stoma. 

I can't put into words how amazing it is how well my Mum dealt with having a stoma and I am so proud of her. Prior to my Mum's surgery I will be 100% honest in saying that I was not aware of what a stoma was and that is why I want to raise awareness and increase public knowledge. After seeing how my Mum coped I now know and understand that a stoma doesn't need to restrict your life or your dress sense. For this reason I will be running the Great Scottish Run 10k in October for the Colostomy Association. They are a great charity who provide support, reassurance and information to those living with a stoma.

Those of you who know me will know that running is not one of my strong points and I am more used to sitting on my bum in a rowing boat! It would be great if you could donate whatever you can spare to this charity and let's raise awareness! Feel free to share my page! 

Thank you, 

Emma x

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