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This photo is of the blog's author, Maureen. She is wearing a pink outfit for cycling, and has a crocheted cover on her helmet.

Back in my happy place

Maureen was 65 when a routine procedure revealed bladder cancer, leading to the complete removal of her bladder and the fitting of a urostomy. For Maureen - a passionate cyclist, Breeze Leader, and one of Cycling UK's Top 100 Women in Cycling - giving up her beloved sport was never an option. Read her honest and inspiring account of life with a urostomy.

In this photo of Peter he is looking straight at the camera. He is wearing glasses, a black shirt and is playing a violin.

From pain to positivity 

After nearly three decades of living with interstitial cystitis and relentless pain, Peter chose to undergo bladder removal surgery in 2024. It was a daunting decision. This is his story of anxiety, resilience and recovery - and why, despite his fears, he has no regrets.

This photo shows Billy standing on a mountain. He is naked apart from his boots. He is facing away from the camera with his arms outstretched.

From survival to self-acceptance: Billy’s journey with a urostomy

Billy is a self-described outdoorsman, spending weekends chasing Scottish summits. That all changed when he was diagnosed with cancer of the caecum. He shares his story which shows that life after a urostomy can be not just full, but fearless.

This image has autumn leaves in the background. Layered on top of that is a head and shoulders photo of Tony Kirkbank. He's wearing a black shirt and is smiling to the camera.

Life is good 

When Tony first noticed blood in his urine in 2000, he had no idea it would lead to a diagnosis of advanced bladder cancer and major surgery. Six months later, he began life with a urostomy — and a determination to make sure others are diagnosed sooner. His story is one of resilience, advocacy, and living well after cancer.

This selfie is of Nicky Rogers and her husband, Neil. Neil has his arm around Nicky, and they are standing in front of a lake or river. The weather looks warm, with a lightly clouded sky.

Silver linings after surgery 

From diagnosis to recovery and beyond, Nicky’s story highlights the ups and downs of life after surgery - and the powerful role of friendship, local support, and creativity in finding hope and confidence again.

This is a photo of Urostomate, Jackie Hannay, sitting on a boat in her swimming costume. She's wearing sunglasses and facing the camra. There's blue sea and sky behind her.

Taking the plunge

Urostomate Jackie Hannay is passionate about swimming. Having survived bladder cancer, she found herself longing to get back in the water, but first, she had to overcome her fear and embarrassment of swimming with a urostomy.

This is a photo of Paul Stewart, a Urostomy Association supporter. He's photographed out on a hill-side walk.

My Miles of Hope challenge 

Paul took part in the Miles of Hope challenge to raise funds for the UA. He said "With the charity being such trusted support for urostomates needing advice or a listening ear, it is my way of giving something back."  

This is a photo of Donna Wilson. She's wearing a black nurses uniform top, and she's standing in front of some vinyl wooden doors in a hospital.

Innovating to improve patients’ care and confidence 

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire are pioneering a new approach to patient care, with dedicated Urostomy Practitioner, Donna Wilson.

This is a photo of urostomate, Dani, with her partner, Gareth. She is wearing a red v-necked dress. He is wearing a grey t-shirt. He has his arm around her shoulder and they are smiling to the camera.

Dani’s story of hope 

Dani was working as a cardiac nurse, with lots of hobbies and plans to get married. But, at the age of 26, she started feeling really unwell and developed a limp too. In her blog, Dani shares her story of hope.

This photo is of Ian See and his daughter. They are both wearing sun hats and smiling directly into the camera.

Finding peace of mind

After facing bladder cancer, heart surgery, and the challenges of living with a urostomy, Ian See shares his inspiring journey of resilience. From finding the right pouch to inventing a portable stoma-changing platform, he's turned difficulties into practical solutions. Now, at 85, Ian continues to embrace life with positivity, independence, and determination.

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