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#GetYourBellyOut Ostomy Factory Tour!

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#GetYourBellyOut Ostomy Factory Tour!

That’s right, the #GetYourBellyOut campaign gathered up a bunch of our scrumptious campaign supporters for a wicked day out at an ostomy factory!

Pelican Healthcare kindly agreed to let the #GetYourBellyOut campaign, a film crew and some of our supporters in for a behind the scenes snoop at what goes into creating ostomy bags.

There are many people worldwide who have an ostomy whether that be a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy for a number of different reasons. Patients with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis are sometimes given the option of an ostomy if the bowel  becomes too inflamed or ulcerated because of disease (which is often the cause great pain/discomfort).
This ostomy factory tour was the perfect opportunity for us to break down the barriers and dive straight in with a behind the scenes look at the facilities and the processes involved in making ostomy bags. Who knew that there were so many different stages to ensuring that each ostomy bag is created to such a high standard.
pelican-2

#GetYourBellyOut has formed some wonderful friendships along the way which has allowed us to connect our campaign supporters directly with the brands and companies which they benefit from every single day.  This tour was a shining example of patients working closely with those who have dedicated their time to designing/ providing the best possible products to make life with an ostomy that little bit easier.

Not only did we have the opportunity for a good snoop around but we spent hours talking about all sorts from product feedback to ostomy accessories. As a result of the wonderful minds gathered around the table we have plenty of new ideas to implement in the near future, watch this space!

We would like to give our thanks to Pelican Healthcare for allowing us to visit as without them we wouldn’t have added a new experience to our list! They too kindly allowed a film crew from ITV to follow the campaign for the day in aid of an awareness programme that’s due to be aired on S4C in the coming weeks.

For more information about ostomies see the Crohn’s and Colitis UK website.

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GetYourBellyOut Discuss Ostomy Underwear with Vanilla Blush

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GetYourBellyOut Discuss Ostomy Underwear with Vanilla Blush

It’s not everyday that you get to ask a CEO about her knickers…but that’s exactly what we did!
#GetYourBellyOut were thrilled to sit down with the fabulous Nicola Dames of Vanilla Blush and ask her a few questions about her latest line of ostomy underwear….
Eilidh and RObbie grey

For your latest endeavour you’ve taken on the challenge of designing some ostomy underwear that’s aimed at children. What prompted you to design a kids range?
‘Simple answer: kids have stomas. Also, it might be a better way of looking at it and describing it as ‘when the person is a child. The reason being, this conceptually protects the reality that we are a continuum throughout our life.’

What special features does the underwear contain?
‘They have the Vanilla Blush trade mark with left-to-right internal pocket, a great style, and are designed for comfort.’

They sound great! Tell us a little about the price point…
‘The range is available via the NHS or private purchase which will cost £27 for three pairs!’
Eilidh Black and White

We can see that you had some very special models join you for the photo shoot. Could you explain why you felt it was important to use those with bowel troubles over traditional models? (Great move!)
‘Personally, I would never use someone who the product was not intended for to model our garments. So this was going to be no different when it came to the children’s range. The proof in what you do, is so much more when you can visualise how the product can work. Both Robbie and Eilidh were very much all guns blazing and nearly running the shoot by the end! Eilidh even turned up with her own makeup on haha that did give me a laugh and as for her poses, she was outstanding. Robbie was keeping me in line, showing me which prop went with which outfit, it was so wonderful to watch how everyone was just so comfortable. I’d like to say a very special thanks to Julie Bastin and Sue Blackwell (Breakaway), Jenny Gow, from Buttony Bear, and to the Parents, Lesley and Rhona, for allowing this to go ahead.’

Aww sounds like you had a right hoot!
What were some of the challenges of creating a children’s range, rather than your usual more slinky adult range?
‘Appropriateness is of course an essential. Our stage in life when we are a child should be one of innocence, light hardheartedness and limits. All the rest can wait, and should wait, until adulthood.’

We would love to know which is your favourite pattern and why?
‘I love them all, but guess the black and white stand out for me, but I do love black.’

What are range does your new range cater for?
‘We start age 3-4, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10 years in both boys and girls.’

Super! Tell us where people can get ahold of your new range…
‘Our new range is available on prescription or to private purchase (Which we can ship worldwide!) from our website http://www.vblush.com ‘

So there you have it folks, an ostomy child friendly underwear range that’s beautifully designed with comfort in mind. With thanks to Nicola Dame for taking the time out of her busy day to speak with the #GetYourBellyOut campaign.

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