 Speaking up and why everyone’s story matters

After Deborahs own cancer diagnosis and the challenges of living with Lynch Syndrome, she found strength in sharing her story. Deborah's connection with Salts and experience with Confidence BE®, gave her a sense of control and identity during a challenging time. Now she uses her voice to empower others and show them that every story, no matter how small it may seem, matters.

Why did you decide to become and advocate and share your story?

I’m incredibly passionate about sharing my story because it’s exactly what I needed to hear when I was first told I’d be getting a stoma. At the time, it was hard to find real-life stories that reassured me that life could still be full, and ‘normal’ after surgery. I wanted and needed to see people living well with a stoma – now I share my story in the hope that it helps even one person feel less daunted.

Was there a moment in your journey when you realised how powerful storytelling can be?

Yes. There have been several moments since my cancer diagnosis when I’ve truly realised how powerful storytelling can be. One that stands out is when I received private messages from friends or acquaintances saying they’d listened to me talk about trusting my body – about knowing when something didn’t feel right and pushing for answers. Some of them went on to be diagnosed with cancer themselves – but thankfully, it was caught early. Knowing that by simply sharing my story I’d helped someone trust their instincts and seek help - that’s incredibly humbling. It showed me that using my voice could make a difference, not just in raising awareness, but in saving lives.

Have you ever read or heard someone else’s story that made you feel less alone since being part of the community? How did that impact you?

Absolutely. Connecting with other advocates has reminded me how varied our journeys are and how powerful shared understanding can be – the community is so much bigger than just my story. Sometimes, all it takes is one shared experience with someone like me, to open a conversation – and suddenly you're talking to someone who gets it. That sense of understanding breaks down barriers so quickly. At the photoshoot, we all spent time sharing our experiences. There was something incredibly empowering about that and I left feeling both uplifted and grounded. There’s a deep connection that comes from being with people who are so different, but ultimately understand what it’s like to live with a stoma.

Have you ever had any fears about speaking openly and sharing? If so, how did you overcome them?

Not really. From the start of my cancer journey, I’ve known that I process things through talking. Speaking about my stoma helps me make sense of it and gives me an external support system. What Salts are doing – creating opportunities for real, honest connection – is incredibly important.

How do you hope your story helps others?

I try to be open and honest, even about the harder parts. That kind of realness creates space for others to share their own tips or experiences. Every story is valid, and we can all learn something from each other.

What does Confidence BE mean to you and why was it such an important part of your journey?

Confidence BE® wasn’t just a stoma bag – it was a lifeline when everything felt overwhelming. I remember the moment this sleek black bag slipped out of my nurse’s pack, and I instantly knew I wanted to try it. It didn’t look medical. It matched my style, my underwear, and more importantly, it helped me feel like me again.

It gave me a sense of identity and control at a time when everything else felt completely out of my hands. Confidence BE® has been part of my journey from the beginning, and now getting to advocate for a product I truly believe in, has made the experience even more meaningful. It’s about more than the product - it’s about people feeling empowered through their choices.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to share their experience but is scared to?

My instinct would be to gently ask ‘what’s stopping you?’. There is a lot of stigma involved with anything to do with bowels or bladders. It’s important to know that sharing your story doesn’t have to mean being front and centre. There are so many ways to get involved that aren’t public or vocal. There’s a whole community out there who get it. You’re never alone in this, and when the time is right, you’ll find your own way to share – on your terms.

How would you respond someone who doesn’t think their story is important or interesting enough to share?

Every single story matters. Your experience might not feel ‘extraordinary’ to you, but to someone else, it could be exactly what they need to hear. No two journeys are ever the same, and your perspective could help someone feel seen, understood, or a little less alone. There’s so much power in shared experience. Your voice has value—don’t underestimate it.

What do you want people to remember most about your story?

After being diagnosed with bowel cancer at 29, I learned I have Lynch Syndrome, a genetic condition that increases cancer risk. That knowledge gave me power – it meant annual screenings, which caught my second cancer early and gave me options. If there’s one thing that I want people to take from my story, it’s this: Knowledge is power. Understanding your body, your family history, asking questions – all of it gives you more control. That insight saved my life.

Order a sample of Confidence BE® today!

We're confident you'll love Confidence BE^{^®} -
try it for free

Our Confidence BE^® sample packs come in either mixed colour packs (black, white and stone) or transparent/stone packs, giving you the opportunity to try the bag in all three colours. Please note that the mixed colour packs are NOT available on prescription they are for sampling purposes only. To see the full Confidence BE^® range that is available on NHS prescription, please download the full product code listing sheet.

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Samples currently only available to people living with a stoma in UK and Ireland. If you are not currently using a soft convex product, please speak to your Stoma Care Nurse before ordering a sample.

Flat Closed Mini Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BM13MIX	Add to Order
Flat Closed Standard Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent	Large	BT1375ST	Add to Order
Flat Closed Standard Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed	Large	B1375MIX	Add to Order
Flat Closed Standard Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent		BT13ST	Add to Order
Flat Closed Standard Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		B13MIX	Add to Order
Flat Closed Large Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent	Large	BLT1375ST	Add to Order
Flat Closed Large Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed	Standard	BL1375MIX	Add to Order
Flat Closed Large Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent		BLT13ST	Add to Order
Flat Closed Large Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BL13MIX	Add to Order
Convex Closed Mini Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBM1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Mini Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBM1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 21mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB21MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Stone Transparent	XBT1325ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Stone Transparent	XBT1338ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Stone Transparent	XBT1352ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB1352MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 25mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB25MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 28mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB28MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 32mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB32MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 35mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB35MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 38mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB38MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 41mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB41MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Stone Transparent	XBLT1325ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBL1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Stone Transparent	XBLT1338ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBL1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Stone Transparent/Overlap	XBLT1352ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBL1352MIX		Add to Order
Flat Drainable Mini Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BDM13MIX	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Standard Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent	Large	BDT1375ST	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Standard Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed	Large	BD1375MIX	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Standard Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent		BDT13ST	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Standard Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BD13MIX	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Large Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent	Large	BDLT1375ST	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Large Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed	Standard	BDL1375MIX	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Large Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent		BDLT13ST	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Large Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BDL13MIX	Add to Order
Convex Drainable Mini Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBDM1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Mini Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBDM1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 21mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD21MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDT1325ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDT1338ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDT1352ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD1352MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 25mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD25MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 28mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD28MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 32mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD32MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 35mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD35MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 38mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD38MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 41mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD41MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDLT1325ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBDL1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDLT1338ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBDL1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDLT1352ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBDL1352MIX		Add to Order
Flat Urostomy Standard Bag 13mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Stone		BUT13STSAMP	Add to Order
Flat Urostomy Standard Bag 13mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BU13MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Flat Urostomy Standard Bag 13mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Stone		BUL13MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Flat Urostomy Standard Bag 13mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BULT13STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 21mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU21MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBUT1325STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU1325MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBUT1338STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU1338MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBUT1352STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU1352MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 25mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU25MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 28mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU28MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 32mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU32MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 35mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU35MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBULT1325STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBUL1325MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBULT1338STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBUL1338MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBULT1352STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBUL1352MIXSAMP	Add to Order

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