I joined the Buttony board in 2021 having volunteered and worked in the 'not for profit' sector supporting adults with a stoma since 2006. As someone with an ileostomy myself and with many years experience in a similar position, I was delighted to become part of Buttony and to continue supporting others. 

Supporting adults with a stoma and supporting children with a stoma is very different and as amazing as adults can be, I learned very quickly how resilient and inspirational so many of the children and young people can be following bowel or bladder surgery. As a parent myself I can't begin to understand what Buttony parents go through but by offering support I know that it is making a positive difference to their family.

By day I work in project technology as an analyst and I also have a background in communications and graphical design so I am delighted that these skills can be used well to further the interests of the charity.

If anyone was ever looking for a reason to volunteer, I found one. The simple concept of a teddy bear with a stoma putting the most enormous smile on a young face or giving the child the confidence to understand and accept their stoma, is priceless and truly rewarding.