Members of a newly-established stoma support group in Honiton, Devon are encouraging the public to join them in a 20-mile coastal charity walk to combat 'stoma stigma'.

The Get Guts Jurassic Coast Walk, scheduled for September 7, will see an adventurous group trek from Seaton to Exmouth, while also raising funds for the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity.

Su Dave, who spearheads the Get Guts support group, is the brain behind this crucial endeavor.

The group, which holds gatherings on the first Monday of every month at St Paul’s Church, was created to assist people in maximizing their opportunities after stoma surgery.

Ms Dave herself has undergone stoma surgery and has since thrived.

She said: "We combine chatting, advice, neurolinguistic programming techniques and physical exercise for anyone with a stoma, no matter how you acquired it."

"As a group we wanted to get fit and show the world that having a stoma doesn't stop you from doing anything in life.

"This is a condition that most people don’t want to talk about let alone raise money for, so we have opened up the walk to everyone to raise awareness of stoma surgery, remove some of the stigma, and help bring together a community who often feel alone."

Ms Dave also shared her personal experience post-surgery having participated in activities from skydiving to open water swimming and rock climbing.

She said: "The only thing that stops you enjoying your best life is yourself."

The walk is open to everyone with multiple walk distances available to suit individual abilities.

Entry fee is set at £15, which includes a free T-shirt.

(Image: Get Guts group)

Participation in fundraising is optional, but proceeds will go towards purchasing a new treatment couch for the stoma department at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E).

Ms Dave added: "The group wished to raise some money for the stoma department to say thank-you for being so wonderful.

"We are delighted that some of the stoma nurses, specialist nurses and surgeons and consultants will be joining in on the walk."

Tom Darby-Clark, assistant fundraiser at Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, commended Ms Dave and the group for organising the walk which will kick off at 8.30am and is expected to wrap up between 5pm and 7pm.

He said: "The Jurassic Coast walk is a fantastic challenge and Su’s event is not only raising money to help power up our local NHS, it will also show the world that having a stoma doesn't stop you from doing anything."

Anyone interested in participating in the Get Guts Jurassic Coast Walk may register by contacting getgutsstomagroup@yahoo.com or dialling 07807 713816.

Those who wish to support the group’s fundraising for the stoma department at the RD&E can visit https://rdhc.enthuse.com/pf/getguts.