Crohn’s disease sufferers start brave viral campaign showing off colostomy bags

People with Crohn's disease are backing a Twitter campaign to 'Get your belly out,' in an attempt to inspire others who are suffering with the condition.

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by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

After Bethany Townsend bravely posted a picture of herself in a bikini, showing her colostomy bag on her stomach, hundreds have taken to Twitter to post similar snaps.

These sufferers shared their inspiring bikini selfies

Crohn's Disease, which causes severe inflammation of the digestive system, stops suffered being able to absorb nutrients, digest food properly and remove waste.

As a result, many people who fall ill with the disease have to have some of their intestine surgically removed, and the healthy part brought out as a 'stoma,' a procedure known as a colostomy.

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Kealy Shaw shares her snap

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Bethany Townsend said she was astounded by the attention her photograph received, and pleased that she could inspire other sufferers to be proud of their bodies.

Townsend was fitted with her bags in 2010, when scars from her various surgeries split open.

Men have also been sharing their stories

Despite admitting that she was 'devastated' when this first happened, Bethany says she now feels confident showing off her scars.

Sam Faiers made headlines in early 2014 when she was struck down with Crohn's whilst in the Big Brother house, after ignoring worrying symptoms for months.

After suffering the agonising pain of Crohn's, Faiers now admits her whole approach to her body is different, saying: 'A great body isn't a perfect 10 in a bikini. It's a healthy, functioning and pain-free body. That's the only body I want.'

Read more: Brave Crohn's disease sufferer shares snap of colostomy bag: 'This won't ruin my life.'

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