Most of you will know why I am going to undertake this self-inflicted torture, but for those who don't; I'll tell you why. I feel it is so very important to raise not just some pennies for the Ileostomy Association (IA), www.iasupport.org but to also raise its general profile within the community.
With regard to the many trials and tribulations concerning my own ileostomy I do not want to go into too much detail, it would take far too long. Although, I need to stress my circumstances were exceptional and not the case for all, if many ostomates. But never-the-less, whatever their experience it is far from easy. What is most important, however, is that you should know that this is so far from the case now and I would like to believe that by taking part in this event a few more of you will come to understand what it actually means for someone to have an ileostomy; and that now, strange as it may seem, life is measurably better with an ileostomy than it has been for the past eight years.
By swimming this mile in open water (about 15 degrees) in September I hope to show that with grit, determination and stickability (no mention of guts) anything is possible. Moreover I hope to give courage and confidence to others undergoing or about to undergo an ileostomy, who perhaps do not have the support around them that i was fortunate enough to have, and so look to organisations such as the IA for such encouragement and advice. Hopefully it will help them to understand some of the issues, physical and mental battles that I underwent, and to some extent still am.
So, thanks for taking the time to visit my Just Giving page. Donating through Just Giving is simple, fast and totally secure; your details are safe with Just Giving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the Charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it's the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the Charity.
So if you think it's worthy cause and you'd like to see me in a tri-suit flailing around in choppy open water; please make a donation.
Details of where i'll be swimming and how to get there (Alton Water) if you are supporting me, can be found here: http://www.greatswim.org/GSE/index.html
