CROHN’S TEENAGER’S LIFE-CHANGER
A brave 16-year-old has spoken of her difficult decision to have a stoma bag fitted. Paige Dease, from Oldham, says she decided to have a third of her bowel removed after suffering with Crohn’s disease from a young age. The teen says support from two charities helped build her confidence by putting her in touch with other youngsters suffering similar problems. Last night she organised a gig to raise money for Katie’s Ski Tracks and Destination Florida.
A BRAVE 16-year-old has spoken of her difficult decision to have a stoma bag fitted. Paige Dease, from Oldham, says she decided to have a third of her bowel removed after suffering with Crohn’s disease, and says support from two charities helped build her confidence by putting her in touch with other youngsters suffering similar problems.
Now she has organised a gig to raise money for Katie’s Ski Tracks and Destination Florida to try to help them support other people.
Paige and Manchester College music management student Leanne Walsh arranged a charity gig, which took place at Band On The Wall last night. Paige, who is studying a diploma at Manchester College, said: “I have had Crohn’s disease since I was five. Four years ago I went on a Destination Florida trip and it brought out so much more confidence in me.
“I met so many people with the same kind of condition as me. Last year, I went on Katie’s Ski Tracks. I was going through a rough patch at the time. I met amazing people. It was life-changing.
“It gave me confidence to make the decision to say yes to having an operation. I had a third of my bowel removed and now have a stoma bag.”
The event, Back 2 The Old Skool, featured six bands who attend Manchester College including Paige’s own band Sheep And The City. Two other bands, FYT and MazeBound also performed.
The gig was sponsored by engineering business Morsons International, with the business owner planning to match the money raised.
Destination Florida and Katie’s Ski Tracks take a group of children with lifethreatening or life-limiting conditions abroad every year, but rely on generous donations to host the trips.
To donate to the Back 2 The Old Skool fund visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ back2theoldskool