Annie fights for accessible toilets in Cornwall after her friend’s passing, advocating for those living with stomas.
Annie says public toilets need shelves, and people with stoma bags need space. They also need mirrors to change bags easily, because it’s hard to change a bag without these. It should be clean and easy to use.
Annie got a stoma nine years ago after a boy in America killed himself. He faced bullying for his stoma, and that event drove her online activism. Now, she wants better public toilets.
She speaks to her friend, Cristian, who also had a stoma, cancer causing his surgery in 2022. They both wanted to improve toilet access, but sadly, Cristian passed away soon after.
Cristian died on January 14, 2024. Annie promised to continue his work. She emails many people about this issue, but she has faced challenges getting a response.
The hospital where Annie works will change, with West Cornwall Hospital improving the toilets. They will become stoma-friendly soon. Renovations started after Cristian’s death anniversary.
Annie felt emotional about the agreement, and she enjoys helping others in this way. These small changes benefit people later. She made a promise to Cristian that she will not give up on it.
Annie wants Royal Cornwall Hospital to help, and supermarkets also need better toilets. People need clean and safe spaces everywhere. Tesco and Sainsbury’s are important.
West Cornwall Hospital shared news about the changes. The new outpatient area will have stoma-friendly toilets. The new changing places facility is also helpful, and it should open in April.