Hi Everyone, so here’s a little story of why I have chosen A Bear Named Buttony as my charity to raise money for, as I take part in this Ultra White Collar Boxing Event. 

Annie, my niece was born at the start of the year in 2013. When she was born she was diagnosed with Hirschsprungs Disease. 

Hirschsprungs Disease affects the nerve cells of the bowel and stops you being able to pass stools. 

Annie underwent a number of operations in the first few years of her life to try and improve and rectify her bowel unsuccessfully. It was decided that Annie would need to have a stoma. 

Since her stoma, Annie continues to need further operations and is still admitted to hospital a number of times throughout each year with infections and inflammations due to the stoma, Hirschsprungs and how it affects her. 

While at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on one of her visits she was given a teddy bear from the charity A Bear Named Buttony. The teddy bear has its own stoma and comes with a story book titled ‘A friend just like me’ which helps teach the kids that they have a friend the same as them. 

Now 10 years old, I have told Annie I’m taking part in this event to raise money to help other kids to get a Buttony Bear of their own. I asked her how she felt about it and could she write me something… 

“My Buttony Bear made me feel more comfortable confident and happy in the way I feel. I have had Buttony for 6 years and I still take it everywhere with me. Having my stoma has saved my life and made me healthy”. 

Annie is a Warrior a Fighter and a Princess at the same time. I never hear her complaining about it (she probably does to her mum). She has always been so brave and courageous. She has been brilliant teaching my younger children all about it, so they are all running about in nans with stoma bags attached! 

So hopefully if we can raise some money together, other kids like Annie will be able to get their own Buttony Bear, a friend, something to make them feel comfortable and confident, to use Annie’s words. 

From the charity website… 

More than just a bear! 

A Bear Named Buttony supports children and young people who have a stoma.

For children, we gift a bear with a stoma, a book and for young adults, a wash bag full of non-medical items to help adjust to life with a stoma. 

We aim to offer positive support and have an active Facebook page where you c