Stoma Helpline We’re here 365 days a year, 9am – 10pm: 0800 328 4257

Stoma Helpline We’re here 365 days a year, 9am – 10pm: 0800 328 4257

Step up for stomas, Active April 2026

Together We Can
Make a Difference

Step up for Stomas and
Get Active this April!

Our annual Step Up For Stomas challenge is back and better than ever, and this year we are asking you to take part and Get Active in April to support the over 21,000 people who undergo stoma every year in the UK, that’s 55 people every single day!

REGISTER NOW
Participant wearing Step Up for Stomas Active April t-shirt
Active April Challenge starts in:
00
weeks
:
00
days
:
00
hours
:
00
mins
:
00
secs
REGISTER NOW

How It Works

Register

Register online for free. Make sure to fill in your address details to receive a FREE pack with fundraising page tips and tricks, activity ideas for to make Active April work for you, and a handy activity tracker to help you plan your month!

Choose your challenge

Walk, run, skip, hop, swim  5.5k a day, rack up   5,500 steps, or take on   55 minutes  of an activity most suited to you every day of April.

Get Active and Fundraise

Set up your fundraising page on JustGiving or Facebook, or use our sponsorship form. Share your challenge, ask for sponsorship, and help spread awareness of life with a stoma.

REGISTER NOW

Why Take Part in Active April?

Taking part in  Step Up for Stomas, Active April  means supporting people across the UK who are adjusting to life with a stoma, while also doing something positive for your own wellbeing.

Each year, this challenge helps raise vital funds to support our key services like our  Stoma Helpline, Befriending, Private Facebook group, and  training workshops for carers and employers. We don’t receive any government funds, so we’re reliant on the generous support of people like you!

Staying active can have a powerful impact on both physical and mental wellbeing – helping to ease anxiety, build confidence and improve overall health. You don’t need specialist equipment or a gym membership to take part. By choosing an activity that suits your own abilities, you can Get Active in April   while supporting people across the UK who undergo stoma surgery.

It’s a challenge that supports your wellbeing and helps make a real difference to thousands of others.

Alex’s quote...
“13 years after surgery I’m fit and active and about to run my 250th Parkrun.  I’m delighted that my Step Up For Stomas, Active April sponsorship appeal has generated such a generous response”
- Alex Wood
Active April participant outdoors
Step Up for Stomas participant

Ready to Step Up for Stomas?

Start your fundraising journey easily now over on Just Giving and get moving for the 55 people who undergo stoma surgery every day in the uk and support thousands of others living with a stoma in the UK, helping to ensure no one faces it alone.

JOIN HERE
Active April t-shirt

Get your Active April T-Shirt!

Kickstart your fundraising today and become one of the first 30 people to raise £55 or more to receive your FREE T-shirt.

Alternatively, if you would like a different way to support our campaign our Active April T-shirts are available to purchase over on our shop.

GRAB YOURS TODAY!

Active April Resources

Get people excited for your Activity on Facebook and in your emails. Don't forget to include the details of your Active April Event and a link to your JustGiving page too!

FAQs

What is Step Up for Stomas, Active April?
Step Up for Stomas, Active April is our largest fundraising challenge that comes around every year, taking part throughout the month of April. This year we encourage you to walk, run, skip, swim etc 5.5k a day, rack up 5,500 steps a day or do 55 minutes of an activity every day.
Can I take part with a stoma or other health condition?
Yes absolutely! Anyone can get involved in Step Up for Stomas, Active April and alter the challenge to make it work for them.
Do I need to be active or sporty?
Not at all. This challenge is designed to fit in with your daily routine and can be designed to fit your needs. For example, 55 minutes of meditation every day would still count towards our challenge! Our fundraising team are always on hand to help to make Active April work for you. Contact us on getinvolved@colostomyuk.org.
How does my fundraising help?
We don’t receive any government funds and we must generate all our income ourselves, so we’re reliant on the generous support of people like you! Our vital supports services are a lifeline to so many people and we need your help to ensure we can continue to provide this to anyone at any stage of their stoma journey.
What support will I receive?
Upon registering you will receive a free fundraising guide full of tips and tricks to get you started, plus a handy step tracker to allow you to organise your Active April in the way that works best for you. You will also receive regular check-in’s from our fundraising team offering support and encouragement before, during and after the event!

Stay in touch

Call Stoma Helpline Donate