Charity walk to tackle ‘stoma stigma’

Funds will support Exeter's RD&E

Members of a newly-formed stoma support group in Honiton are inviting people to help to tackle ‘stoma stigma’ by joining them on a 20-mile coast path walk from Seaton to Exmouth this September.

The Get Guts Jurassic Coast Walk on September 7 will also be raising money for Royal Devon Hospitals Charity.

The charity walk is being organised by Su Dave, who runs the Get Guts support group, which meets every first Monday of the month at St Paul’s Church.

Su, who has had stoma surgery herself, said she started the free group to help show people how to get the most out of their new lives with a stoma.

“We combine chatting, advice, neurolinguistic programming techniques and physical exercise for anyone with a stoma, no matter how you acquired it,” said Su, a qualified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner from Upottery.

“As a group we wanted to get fit and show the world that having a stoma doesn't stop you from doing anything in life.

“This is a condition that most people don’t want to talk about let alone raise money for, so we have opened up the walk to everyone to raise awareness of stoma surgery, remove some of the stigma, and help bring together a community who often feel alone.

“If it’s successful it is something we would like to do annually.”

Su said that after her own surgery, she became the fittest she had ever been.

“My stoma hasn’t stopped me from doing anything, from skydiving to open water swimming and rock climbing,” she said.

“The only thing that stops you enjoying your best life is yourself.”

Anyone is welcome to take part in the walk and there are shorter distances of 16, 10 and four miles also available with staggered starts at Branscombe, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

Entry is £15 and includes a free t-shirt. Fundraising is optional and any money raised will help buy a new treatment couch for the stoma department at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E).