Retail giant backs stoma-friendly toilet campaign

Persistence has paid off for a campaigner after a large retail chain backed his call for more stoma-friendly toilets.

Tony Beckingsale from Bristol said it gives him "confidence" and will make a "huge difference" to the stoma community.

DIY retailer B&Q has now rolled out upgrades to the disabled toilets at all its stores including practical additions including a door hook for clothing or bags, a shelf for medical supplies and a mirror so users can see their stoma and bag when changing.

Stomas, which are used by around 200,000 people in the UK and often fitted because of bowel diseases and attach to a hole - or stoma - in the abdomen, allowing waste to be diverted out of the body.

"It's an invisible disability", said Beckingsale.

"And if people can't see that there's a disability, they don't think one exists," he added.

The Traitors star Mollie Pearce from Bristol, has also appealed for better facilities after several incidents in which she has had to use the floor of public toilets to change her own stoma bag.

She said she would often have to plan her day around where the toilets are which would "trigger anxiety".

Although Pearce welcomes retailers upgrading their facilities, she still feels opening and closing times are a problem.

She said some close quite early, which has "ended with me having an accident when I was out".

The model and healthcare assistant said "companies maybe aren't aware that this is what we need".

"So it's just kind of shouting about it and making sure people know how much it would help us".

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