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Breaking stoma stigma in my brother-in-law's memory

Pamela Bilalova
BBC News, North East and Cumbria
Supplied Stephen Jefferson holding a copy of his book Shimmy the shark and his stoma. The book cover is white, with a blue title and several sharks. Mr Jefferson is smiling at the camera and wearing a purple Colostomy UK t-shirt. He has blond hair and blue eyes.Supplied
Stephen Jefferson hopes his brother-in-law would be proud of the book

A retail worker has written a book to help children with stoma bags feel more accepted, fulfilling a request from a relative who recently died from cancer.

Daniel Swales, from Washington, near Sunderland, had to have a stoma fitted after complications during his cancer treatment and asked his brother-in-law Stephen Jefferson to write a story based on the topic.

The result was Shimmy the Shark and his Stoma, half the proceeds of which are going to charity Colsotomy UK, which the author has been touring around schools.

Mr Jefferson said he thought his relative "would be so pleased and I hope he would be very proud" of the book.

Mr Swales died on 8 November last year at the age of 23, but had managed to read the final part of the shark story.

Supplied Stephen Jefferson and his brother-in-law Daniel Swales smiling at the camera. Mr Jefferson has blonde hair is dressed in black trousers, jacket and t-shirt. Mr Swales has a cap on and is wearing black trousers, a white t-shirt and a grey cross body bag.Supplied
Stephen Jefferson said his brother-in-law Daniel Swales was "the most amazing person" he knew

Mr Jefferson, also from Washington, said he was initially surprised by the request to write a children's book, but wanted to carry on his brother-in-law's name and spread the message.

"Daniel said he didn't want to be forgotten and I'm making that my mission," the 23-year-old said.

"Even when he was going through the most difficult time in his life, he still remained selfless and thoughtful of others."

Supplied Daniel Swales, in a black t-shirt and with a black graduation cap on, is smiling at the camera. He has brown beard and is in a hall with red chairs.Supplied
Mr Swales was studying for a master's degree at Newcastle University

Mr Swales was diagnosed with stage four Burkitt's lymphoma in March last year.

"When he woke up from surgery and was told this life-changing thing that he had to deal with, it was very difficult for him," Mr Jefferson said.

"He did adapt, but it was always something that he struggled with.

"Seeing him realise a lot of children would be feeling that exact way, after he did all the research about it, was inspiring."

Supplied Mr Swales in the middle of family photograph on his graduation day in November 2024. He is smiling and wearing black trousers and a black t-shirt. His brother-in-law, Stephen Jefferson, is next to him in a beige suit jacket, white shirt, red tie and black trousers. He is smiling and has blond hair. Everyone else is also dressed formally.Supplied
Mr Swales managed to graduate at a private ceremony

Mr Jefferson said his brother-in-law was "the most amazing person I know" and loved the outdoors.

"It was very difficult to watch his life turn upside down," he said.

He had a passion for learning and was studying for a master's degree in media and public relations at Newcastle University.

The university set up a private ceremony for him and he managed to graduate just days before his passing.

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