Being told that you will never wee normally again is terrifying. Most people have never heard of a urinary diversion, and simply cannot imagine going through life without a functioning bladder.

I found great support from the Urostomy Association and am keen to ensure others can benefit. Certainly my life has changed but it hasn’t been diminished and I am able to all the things I did before from running to skiing and even scuba diving.

That's why I've taken up the Urostomy Association's Take a wee walk Challenge this October. This Urostomy Awareness Month I'll be walking 31 miles to raise funds for the charity's Sign of Support appeal (https://urostomyassociation.org.uk/news/introducing-sign-of-support/).

Please sponsor me! Your donation will help fund practical and emotional support, including the charity's helpline, patient packs, volunteer buddy scheme, 'meet the expert' webinars, website and so much more.

With your help, together we can prepare anxious patients for life with a stoma and reassure them that they don't have to face it alone; help is out there.