A Doncaster woman has raised £1,677 for the hospital team that helped her recover from life-changing bowel surgery. Rachel Hargreaves completed a 275-mile walking challenge over August and September to show appreciation to the stoma department at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Living with Crohn's Disease for 28 Years
Rachel had lived with constant pain and discomfort since 1997 due to Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive system. She spent five and a half weeks recovering in hospital after her operation in November 2024, which involved removing part of her small bowel and creating an ileostomy – an opening on the abdomen to collect waste.
Rachel said: “The care I received from Mr Beral, his team and the staff on ward S10 was amazing.” She admitted that accepting the need for surgery was initially very difficult: “For many years I normalised the pain and discomfort associated with my symptoms. I stubbornly avoided any talk of a surgical option.” She realised she was at risk of becoming an emergency case before finally agreeing to the procedure.
Inspiring Support from Stoma Nurses
Rachel found the specialised support from her nursing team incredibly motivating. She said: “The care and support I have received from the stoma nurses has been inspirational. Their patience, guidance and motivation have been a vital part of my recovery and learning to live with my stoma.” She even named her stoma bag 'Zebedee' to help adjust: “The encouragement to give my stoma a name was an enormous help in coming to terms with my ileostomy. 'Zebedee' is part of me and we make a great team.”
Walking Challenge and Fundraising Success
Her fundraising began as a simple five-mile walk around Clumber Park and turned into a two-month campaign. She walked at least three miles every day, visiting locations like Daneshill Lakes and the Cleveland Way coastal path. By the end of September, she had completed 275 miles and raised £1,677.
Rachel said: “Once I came to terms with the situation, I realised what a positive step I had taken.” She now hopes to break the stigma associated with stoma bags: “Having a stoma doesn't stop me doing anything.” The walking also boosted her physical fitness and mental wellbeing: “I now feel like doing more because I realise how much I had been compromising my life before.”
Funds to Support Staff Training
The funds will be used by Doncaster Royal Infirmary to create educational resources for staff training days. Rachel said: “The challenge gave me a positive focus every day and provided an opportunity to raise awareness of stomas. I think it's really important to break down the stigma that some people still associate with them.” She added: “Not only have I raised funds for the stoma department, but I have become stronger and fitter and really appreciate the mindful benefits of walking.”
Hospital Team Grateful for Donation
Alana Balshaw, colorectal cancer nurse specialist within the colorectal and stoma care department, said: “Rachel's story is a true example of resilience and determination. Recovering from major surgery is a huge challenge and Rachel turned her experience into something incredibly positive by raising funds and awareness for the stoma team that supported her throughout her journey.” She added: “We are extremely grateful for her fundraising efforts and for sharing her story so openly. Their support will help us continue providing excellent care for patients and their families.”
Rachel personally thanked the nurses: “Thank you so much for the inspiration and a new lease of life. Three cheers for Cath, Mandy, Liz, Keeley, Sharon, Alana, Debbie, Leah, Becky and Caroline for the amazing job they do.”
