Stoma Helpline We’re here 24 hours a day: 0800 328 4257
Stoma Helpline We’re here 24 hours a day: 0800 328 4257
Giorgia Callaghan
Giorgia is a humanitarian, with career-long experience working in the international development and charity sector. She has worked for several not-for-profit organisations, each of varying size, scope and mission, with roles spanning across policy and advocacy, fundraising and business development, as well as programme management.
Stepping into the Fundraising Trustee position, she brings a wealth of knowledge and successful experience fundraising with a wide range of donors – from Government agencies and UN, to trusts and foundations, philanthropists and corporate donors.
Diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at the age of 10, Giorgia underwent countless treatment regimens – leaving her constantly immunosuppressed – surgeries, managed complex complications including fistulas, severe iron deficiency and fluctuating weight loss, until an emergency proctocolectomy surgery to create a permanent ileostomy took place in 2020 (aged 25).
Having lived experience, Giorgia understands deeply the challenges and barriers that people with IBD and stomas face, as well as the associated stigma and emotional toll this can take. She also understands the incredible freedom and joy that a stoma can bring to the lives of ostomates – and hopes that one day we live in a world that recognises these positives too, free of stigma and accessibility barriers.
Giorgia feels honoured and privileged to have joined the board of Colostomy UK, giving back to an organisation that has supported her through her own journey, while contributing to the amazing work that continues to improve the lives of ostomates!
