From Couch Potato to Ironman: Caroline Bramwell's Inspiring Journey
Episode Overview
Caroline Bramwell's transformation from couch potato to Ironman triathlete. The impact of major surgery and living with an ileostomy. The importance of setting goals and having a supportive network. Caroline's involvement with Greg Wallace's healthy eating website. The role of Ostomy Life in helping ostomates lead active lives.
'Anything is possible' - it's in our minds what we can achieve.
Raphaela Reeb's 'Stoma4Life' podcast episode is a heartfelt journey into the lives of those living with a stoma. In this episode, Raphaela sits down with Caroline Bramwell, a remarkable woman who transformed her life after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Caroline shares her inspiring story of how she went from being a self-proclaimed couch potato to competing in Ironman triathlons.
Her journey began with a major surgery that left her with a permanent ileostomy, but instead of letting it hold her back, Caroline embraced the change and turned to sports as a way to reclaim her life. Caroline's story is one of resilience and determination.
She recounts her initial struggles, the support from her family, and the moment she decided to take control of her life by participating in challenging events like cycling from London to Paris just a year after her surgery. Her achievements didn't stop there; she learned to swim and took up triathlons, eventually competing in full Ironman events. Raphaela and Caroline discuss the importance of setting goals and the role of healthcare providers in supporting ostomates.
Caroline highlights the significance of having a supportive network and how her journey has inspired others to push their limits. She also talks about her involvement with Greg Wallace's healthy eating website and her own community interest company, Ostomy Life, which helps people with stomas lead active and fulfilling lives. This episode is not just about overcoming physical challenges; it's about finding new purpose and joy in life despite adversity.
Caroline's mantra, 'Anything is possible', resonates throughout the conversation, encouraging anyone facing similar challenges to believe in their potential. Tune in to hear Caroline's incredible story and gain a fresh perspective on living with a stoma. It's an episode filled with hope, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone navigating life with a chronic condition.