Sam Thompson has shown his support for his big sister Louise Thompson as she unveils her stoma bag to fans amid numerous agonising health battles.
The I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 2023 winner, 31, has branded his sibling a "hero" for going public with the latest development in her journey to return to full health, with his partner Zara McDermott also showing some love for Louise on social media following her post this morning.
Former Made In Chelsea star Louise, 34, has been showered with support after she disclosed that a stoma bag has been fitted to 'save her life' amidst her harrowing health struggles. The mum-of-one took to Instagram to debut "the grey bag that may well save my life" to her followers on Tuesday morning, telling fans: "Isn't it bizarre that this little grey pouch is the price I pay for good health! I say good riddance to that nasty menacing colon!"
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 contestant Zara McDermott, who is dating Louise's little brother Sam, was one of the first to comment on Louise's post. The former Love Island star told her possible future sister-in-law: "When you think about it, it's a beautiful thing because it means less time in hospital, less time in pain, less time with a poison organ in your body! Now you are free my girl. Now it's time for YOU."
Reality TV veteran Sam was quick to show his support on social media too, sharing Louise's post to his own Instagram Stories. "My sister ladies and gentlemen," Sam told his 2.5m followers as he captioned his repost, before sweetly adding: "My hero always [red love heart emoji.]
Elon Musk makes history by becoming the first person in the world to lose $200bnSince becoming a first-time mum in 2021, Louise has faced a series of health setbacks and been hospitalised multiple times, most recently in February this year. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the reality TV star shared a video of herself lifting up her top to reveal a stoma bag has been attached to her abdomen. She pondered over how to break such personal news, writing: "HOW DO I DISCLOSE THIS SORT OF NEWS? ".
She continued: "It's not exactly exciting like a big pregnancy or gender reveal announcement! Hey look i'm having a boy... Hey look i've got a stoma! So I guess i'll just stand here Proud in stature. With my new friend. Le bum bag that represents life And hopefully a better one. Isn't it bizarre that this little grey pouch is the price I pay for good health! ".
Wrapping up her heartfelt post, the reality TV alum who was hospitalised earlier this year, added: "I say good riddance to that nasty menacing colon! Please be kind. [white love heart emoji] #ibd #ibdawareness #ibdwarrior #stoma #stomalife #autoimmunedisease." Her candidness led fans to commend her for bringing visibility to living with a stoma bag.
"This is a very brave post and one which will empower a lot of other people living with a stoma," began one Instagram user, praising Louise's candid share. "My 1 year old daughter had to get a stoma and we soon realised, even at that age, there was a lot of stigma surrounding one. She would have loved to have seen a post like this."
Another supporter chimed in: "I'm so in awe of your honesty, please look after yourself. I know this lil grey bumbag is the start of a new journey, but you don't owe anyone an explanation. You're a mum and partner, daughter sister friend. I know all anyone wants for you is health and recovery. I'm proud of you for sticking you your advocacy in the hospital and making sure you had the correct treatment. Wishing you strength on your new health journey."
Ruth Wakeman, director of services, advocacy and evidence at charity Crohn’s & Colitis UK said: "There are around 300,000 people in the UK living with ulcerative colitis. It’s a lifelong condition for which there is no cure. There are lots of treatment options available including medicines and surgery like Louise has had.
"It can take some time to get used to life with a stoma, but it shouldn’t stop you doing the things you enjoy. Lots of people with Crohn’s and Colitis tell us their surgery has been life-changing, and many wish they’d had it done sooner. Whoever you are, if you or someone you know has inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s & Colitis UK has lots of information and help to support you."