A Doncaster woman who underwent life-changing bowel surgery has raised funds for the team who helped her regain her health and confidence.
Rachel Hargreaves, who lived in ‘pain and discomfort’ with Crohn’s disease since 1997, completed an incredible 275 miles of walking across August and September last year, raising £1,677 for the stoma department at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH).
Rachel, who remained in hospital for five and a half weeks, said: “The care I received from Mr Beral, his team and the staff on ward S10 was amazing.”
However, coming to terms with the prospect of surgery was an uncomfortable journey, Rachel explained.
She said: “For many years I normalised the pain and discomfort associated with my symptoms.
“I stubbornly avoided any talk of a surgical option.”
Finally deciding to take the plunge, Rachel spoke to a surgeon and understood the gravity of her situation.
She said: “I was at risk of becoming an emergency case.”
Although initially ‘petrified’ by the prospect of surgery, Rachel underwent a successful operation performed by Mr Beral in November 2024, which involved the removal of a section of her small bowel and the formation of an ileostomy.
The decision was life-changing, Rachel explained.
She said: “I feel better than I have in 28 years.”
“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.
“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.”
Determined to give something back, Rachel initially planned a sponsored five-mile walk around Clumber Park.
The challenge quickly grew into a two-month walking campaign, combining daily walks of at least three miles with longer routes around Clumber and Daneshill Lakes, as well as sections of the Cleveland Way coastal path.
By the end of September, Rachel had completed an impressive 275 miles and raising £1,677 for the team who cared for her.
She added: “Once I came to terms with the situation, I realised what a positive step I had taken.
Rachel is now a proud advocate for the benefits of a stoma and is keen to ‘break down the stigma’ surrounding them.
She continued: “Having a stoma doesn’t stop me doing anything.
“I now feel like doing more because I realise how much I had been compromising my life before.”
“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.”
Rachel also highlighted the physical and mental wellbeing benefits she experienced through walking during her recovery.
She said: “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.”
The funds raised will help support the stoma department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and enhance care for future patients.
Alana Balshaw, Colorectal Cancer Nurse Specialist within the Colorectal and Stoma Care Department at DBTH, 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.
“We are extremely grateful for her fundraising efforts and for sharing her story so openly. Her support will help us continue providing excellent care for patients and their families.”
The team hopes to use the funds raised by Rachel towards educational resources for staff training days.
Rachel paid tribute to the stoma nursing team who supported her recovery, saying: “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.”