Everyone's life has been touched, at some point, by debilitating and often fatal illnesses such as Crohns Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Bowel Cancer, Uritary Cancers, Prostrate Cancer or diverticulitus. We all know someone affected by these diseases, and we always hope it will never be us. Till one day it is.

For many patients this can result in an operation resulting in a stoma, necessitating them to have to use a stoma bag, the operating has devestating emotional consequences, I know I am one of those patients and I know how important it is to have special care and support while going through the illness.

So when we discovered that the 495 ostomy patients in Barbados have no support or, more importantly, a Stoma nurse which is a crucial part of patient recovery,  we decided we had to do something to help.

Our models of courage, all of whom have experienced - and some who still experience - such surgery are undertaking a pledge to help other patients by  taking over an array of ostomy products and holding a fundraising event in Barbados this June to raise funds to employ an ostomy nurse and raise awareness.

Our models of courage, each of whom has a stoma and an amazing tale of courage of their own ongoing battles with their health, are under taking a pledge to help other patients; we are liaising with the Island's ostomy patients, taking  a supply of ostomy products over to Barbados in June to be used during hurricane season, and holding a fundraising event while we're there to raise funds to employ an ostomy nurse.

This project is so important to me. I know and understand how it feels to be an ostomy patient, and I know that these patients in Barbados desperately need our help.

In August 2008 I found myself with 1 month left to live and undergoing radical surgery with odds of less than 4%, which would leave me with a permanent Ostomy. Although devestated I picked myself up and vowed to help other patients have a better quality of life. I launched the Glitter Beach Foundation and the Award Winning Glitter Beach swimwear range, and I also won the coveted John Logie Baird Award.

But I can't do it on my own. We need your help to make the dream come true, together we can build a better future for patients through dignity and friendship. Please support us, make a promise today to our cause and help us to make tomorrow a brighter future.

Dreams can come true and with your help we can reach for the stars and hold them in our hearts. Empathy is our greatest gift, lets use it, and better the lives of 495 people.

Do something wonderful today.

Thank you for reading our pitch, we hope you click on the button and make a promise.

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