I have over 30 years’ experience as a clinical exercise physiologist, fitness expert, cancer exercise specialist, clinical Pilates teacher and specialist stoma coach.

Having had stoma surgery myself in 2010, I combine my extensive professional knowledge and personal experience to provide an unique perspective and support for my clients.

I have had an ileostomy since 2010 after perforated diverticular disease meant I needed emergency life-saving surgery. I had five major surgeries and 3 different stomas. At the time I had 2 small children and was an age group triathlete and club runner.

Initially I was worried that I might not be able to run again and I didn’t know if I could return to my work as a fitness instructor and coach.

As I recovered, I embraced Pilates and found it to be the magic key to unlock core strength. As long as I did my core exercises, I could run, hike, swim, cycle and lift weights and do almost anything I wanted.

Many years later, I now run marathons and ultra-distance events, including the Himalayan 100, TransRockies 120-mile stage race in Colorado, the Spine race in the UK and in 2023 I completed a lifelong goal of the Cape Wrath Ultra – a 400km 8 day stage race through the Scottish Highlands.

I love running, hiking mountains, cycling, being with my dogs and enjoying the trails. I swim, train with weights, coach runners and teach Pilates and often forget I have a stoma at all.

But it’s taken years, with many ups and downs along the way. Life with a stoma isn’t always easy, but it shouldn’t stop us doing anything.

There might be challenges and things we need to adapt, but there’s always a way.

In the book, I set out a step-by-step recovery programme wherever you are on your treatment pathway, and share tips and advice for everyone.