Why Stoma Friendly Toilets Matter: Annie’s Story Behind The Cristian’s Change Campaign

02 February, 2026

Annie’s Story and the Journey to Cristian’s Change Campaign

I’ve lived with an ileostomy since February 2016 and underwent a total proctectomy in 2019. I’m a mum to an amazing 18-year-old boy and have worked as a cleaner in my local hospital for six years. Since my first surgery, I’ve been passionate about campaigning and raising awareness around stomas, body confidence, and breaking down stigma.

Over the years, I’ve taken part in stoma charity calendars, worked alongside Colostomy UK on several awareness campaigns, and even cycled 1,000km to raise funds for the charity. Advocacy has become a huge part of who I am.

My best friend Emma, who held my hand through my surgeries, met the most incredible man, Cristian. Cristian was later diagnosed with bowel cancer and required surgery resulting in a colostomy. As any good friend would, I was there to support him – offering advice, signposting, reassurance, and lived experience. We often spoke about doing something meaningful together to raise awareness and make life easier for people living with stomas.

Those conversations turned into a mission in January 2024 when Cristian became extremely unwell in hospital. During one heartfelt conversation, he told me he needed to make a change. He spoke passionately about the lack of suitable toilet facilities and said he wanted to start a campaign to encourage public buildings, shops, and businesses to provide stoma friendly toilets.

Sadly, just days after that conversation, Cristian passed away on 14 January 2024.

From that moment on, I made it my mission to continue the work Cristian so desperately wanted to begin.

What is Cristian’s Change Campaign?

Cristian’s Change Campaign is a local initiative in Penzance dedicated to improving access to stoma friendly toilets in public spaces, hospitals, and businesses. The campaign was created to raise awareness of the practical needs of people living with a stoma and to ensure toilets are designed with dignity, safety, and accessibility in mind.

Who was Cristian, and how did the campaign begin?

Cristian was a very dear friend of mine. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent surgery that resulted in him having a stoma. Two years later, while seriously unwell in hospital, Cristian spoke passionately about the need for stoma friendly toilets and his desire to create real change in our local community.

Despite his poor health, Cristian wanted to start a campaign immediately. I encouraged him to focus on his recovery first, with plans to take action once he was feeling stronger. Sadly, just three days after that conversation, Cristian passed away.

Why did you decide to continue the campaign after his passing?

After Cristian’s funeral, I felt it was my duty to fulfil the wish he cared so deeply about. Even in the final weeks of his life, he was thinking of others and how to improve their everyday experiences. With his wife’s permission, I decided to continue the campaign in his name to honour his compassion, strength, and determination.

What steps did you take to launch the campaign?

I created a Facebook page called Cristian’s Change Campaign and began contacting organisations by email and letter. I also approached local businesses and public services directly to explain the importance of stoma friendly facilities and what simple changes could make a significant difference.

What impact has the campaign had so far?

One of the biggest successes has been working with my local hospital, where I am also employed. At the time, the hospital was building a brand-new outpatient facility, which opened in October 2025. I met with hospital management, the estates team, and building contractors, and as a result:

• All four new toilets in the outpatient building were made stoma friendly

• Three existing public toilets within the main hospital were refurbished and made stoma friendly

This was achieved entirely thanks to Cristian’s Change Campaign.

Are the toilets clearly marked as stoma friendly?

The hospital has received the official stoma friendly toilet stickers. Due to fire safety regulations, they cannot be placed directly on the doors, as these are fire doors. However, all stoma friendly toilets are now clearly listed on the hospital’s website to ensure patients and visitors can easily find them.

What does Cristian’s story mean to you personally?

Cristian’s selflessness continues to inspire me. Even while facing his own health challenges, he wanted to improve life for others. Continuing this campaign in his name feels not only right, but necessary. It ensures his voice, values, and determination live on through meaningful change.

Learn more about our Stoma Friendly Toilet campaign and how your venue can get involved: colostomyuk.org/campaigns/toilets