Team's new strip honours stoma 'hero'
SuppliedA football team's new shirt strip is honouring the journey of a boy with a stoma.
Jack, from Shotton Colliery, had a colostomy bag fitted after developing problems with his large intestine in 2022 and has been fundraising for those who live with the same condition since then.
Earlier this week Trimdon Under-8s surprised the 11-year-old when they announced their shirt will feature the logo of Jack's Stoma Journey.
"He's an inspiration and he's one of my heroes," said coach Stu Campbell, who Jack used to play for.
"There's been times when he's played for me over the years and he'll shout his bag's full," he said.
"Just shouts 'Stu, I'm going to empty my bag' and he runs off, tells the referee, no bother, empties his bag, comes back on.
"It doesn't bother him."
Jack has described his stoma as his "hidden superpower" and said it did not stop him "from doing anything" as he continues playing football with Shotton Colts U12s and Thornley FC U13s.
"I love football, it's a break away from my stoma. My stoma is just a superpower," Jack told RadioTees.
He also said Campbell had helped him "through my ups and downs".
"He's a really good manager and I want to give a really big shout out to Trimdon," Jack said.
Mum Zoe said having Jack's Stoma Journey featured on the team's shirts meant the "absolute world" to the family.
"Jack is a massive football fan and he does enjoy playing his football," she said.
"Obviously he's had hid struggles and Trimdon has been a big part of Jack's journey, seeing Jack before the stoma and then being there to support him throughout his operations and the hospital stays."
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