DALE members of a stoma care group have helped celebrate 35 years of support.
Founded in 1983, Bishop Auckland Stoma Care Group has since helped hundreds of stoma patients young and old. Members of the patient-led group gathered at Park Head Hotel, near Bishop Auckland, for a celebratory lunch to mark the 35th anniversary.
Sandra Parrett, 70, from Ingleton, has been a member of the group for the past 18 years.
She said: “It is a very traumatic having any kind of stoma. Your first reaction when you have had your surgery is shock. You don’t think you are going to be normal again.
“Here we have fun and it is about making people feel like they can lead a normal life.”
Guests included group founder and retired clinical nurse specialist Barbara Hodgson as well as retired consultant colorectal surgeon, John Stephen.
Ms Parrett said: “90 per cent of the people here today would not be here without John. He is wonderful.”
The self-funded group currently has 60 active members, from the dale and beyond, who meet every other Thursday at St Mary’s Church Hall, in Vart Road, Bishop Auckland. Members are able to share experiences, support each other, enjoy day trips to build confidence and keep up to date with the latest products and medical practice. For more information about the group contact Ms Parrett on 01325 730192.
