Gill Castle’s story began while serving as a police officer and pregnant with her first child. Six weeks before her due date, she went into labour prematurely, and her son, being very small, required an assisted delivery with forceps. Complications led to a fourth-degree tear, a fistula, and a significant abscess, resulting in a colostomy. What should have been a joyful time became marked by physical and emotional challenges as she faced the realities of birth trauma, an experience shared by thousands of women each year.

Gill Castle loved her role as a police officer, but due to complications after her son’s birth, including multiple surgeries and ongoing infections, she retired early for mental health reasons. Diagnosed with PTSD, she found herself raising her son alone while recovering. Initially, her stoma was temporary, but lasting damage made it permanent. Determined to reclaim her life, Gill embraced her stoma, pursued active hobbies like cycling and swimming, completed triathlons, and even took up open-water swimming, skydiving, and scuba diving, becoming an advocate for resilience and positivity.

In 2023, Gill completed a near-14-hour swim from Dover to France, much of it in darkness, to highlight awareness around childbirth injuries and the experiences of those with stomas. After needing a colostomy due to severe birth trauma in 2011, the 43-year-old from Alnwick trained for three years to show others that life with a stoma has no limits. During her 20-mile swim, her support team provided food and drink every 45 minutes without making contact. Inspired by a stoma-wearing triathlete, Castle embraced this journey with newfound hope.

Charity Work:

In 2022, Gill founded Chameleon Buddies, a UK-based charity supporting people with stomas or childbirth injuries, following her stoma surgery after childbirth complications in 2011.  Chameleon Buddies aims to provide community and resources for people facing similar challenges. The organization offers stoma supplies, peer support, and empowerment programs, with initiatives extending to Kenya, assisting women impacted by obstetric fistula. Known for her advocacy, Castle has also swum the English Channel, underscoring her resilience and commitment to supporting others.

Body Positivity & Self Acceptance:

Initially, Gill Castle found it challenging to accept her stoma, which impacted her confidence and intimacy. However, her husband’s unwavering support and shared sense of humour helped her navigate this journey. Learning self-acceptance became key, though practical adjustments were sometimes necessary; for example, she found comfort in wearing a maternity band during intimate moments to secure the stoma bag.