My Story

 

  

My name is Tom and I'm an Olympic sailor who was diagnosed with Crohns Disease, resulting in the removal of my colon and a permanent ileostomy.

Learning to live with an ostomy took time but I found that if I wore the right protection,
I could reduce the risk of damaging my stoma and continue to live an active life.

I had 3 hernia repairs and a prolapsed stoma which needed protection from babies, puppies, rugby balls and whenever I went sailing.

It’s true that confidence has a ripple effect that controls many other aspects of our lives, so I looked into how I could make a difference.

When I created StomaSafe, I had three objectives: 

  1. I want to help solve a big problem that many people have.
  2. I wanted to focus on something related to my personal experience.
  3. I want to create something that has the power to help many people, especially children, and really make a positive impact. 

 

Innovation from Experience
The design for StomaSafe comes from 10+ years of living with an ostomy and experiencing all the ways in which our stoma is at risk of impact.

I couldn't find anything suitable to buy so I took inspiration from others through online and real-world ostomy groups and implemented their ideas into a new design.

Unlike other products, StomaSafe doesn't use a belt because I found them uncomfortable. It has an open ended top so it won't push down on your stoma as the bag fills, and has an open ended bottom (unlike many of us!) which lets your bag easily fill.

 

StomaSafe Junior - Supporting Young Ostomates

I care deeply about improving the lives of ostomates and in particular, supporting
children living with an ostomy. If wearing a StomaSafe makes you feel even a little bit more confident with your stoma, it is worth it and I happily give them free of charge to anyone under 18.

It’s 25% smaller than the regular StomaSafe. Send me a message if you need something specific made to fit you.

 

In a nutshell, StomaSafe is designed to:

  • Protect your stoma from life’s daily knocks & bumps, and
  • Give you the confidence to be as active as you can.

One of the hardest challenges for many of us is getting back to normal life after surgery. StomaSafe can help you get back on track. 

I produce StomaSafe in Ireland. Working with local manufacturers allows me to be directly involved with the quality control and inspection of each item.