Nothing to be ashamed of for Huntly woman Alannah-Jayne Simpson as she strikes pose for charity calendar
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A YOUNG woman who nearly died four years ago has stepped outside her comfort zone to pose for a charity calendar.
Alannah-Jayne Simpson agreed earlier in the year to be professionally photographed for The Purple Wings 2020 Calendar in order to challenge the stigma surrounding colostomy bags.
She first began experiencing stomach problems as a young teenager.
Eventually, when she reached 17, both Crohn's Disease and Ulcerated Colitis were diagnosed.
Finally, having already undergone chemotherapy, she had a colostomy bag fitted four years ago.
Alannah-Jayne, who's from Huntly and is engaged to Jaimie Laughton from Dufftown, continues to struggle with her health.
However, never one to feel sorry for herself for too long, she'll be caring for other people this Christmas.
Alannah-Jayne is volunteering at Street Friends Helping The Homeless Aberdeen which has a drop-off point in George Street.
She said: "I try to do this every year, around this time as it's near Christmas.
"Many homeless people don’t have family or friends or really anyone to help them.
"Not only is it cold and wet, but it's also extremely lonely.
"This, coupled with sleepless nights, can have an extreme impact on their mental health.
"I spoke to one gentleman just last week and he was homeless through no fault of his own – he simply has no one after his partner committed suicide."
Alannah-Jayne is now hoping to drum up as many donations as she did last year.
The calendar is now available to buy online at www.purplewingscharity.com
For more information about making donations for homeless people, log on to www.facebook.com/justinstreetangels
Items needed:
Clothes
Boxed or tinned food
Packaged drinks
Hats and gloves
Sleeping bags
Toiletries
Care packages
Dog food, treats, leads, dog jackets, poop bags
Backpacks
Wipes
