Bodybuilder defies doctors to continue passion despite stoma bag

A bodybuilder from Stratford-upon-Avon who was forced to give up his career because of devastating bowel disease is now a fitness model - sporting an ileostomy bag.

Blake Beckford, 33, was preparing to compete in a bodybuilding competition when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2003.

His condition meant he was constantly tired and needed to go to the toilet up to 20 times a day.

The condition stopped him from training and being a bodybuilder. In October he needed surgery to remove his entire colon.

Despite warnings from doctors that training could cause injuries such as hernias, he was determined to get back into shape.

Doctors also warned the father-of-one he would never be able to train at the level required to be a fitness model.

But determined to prove them wrong, he began a training regime in January, starting at a weight of 11st 12lbs.

Over the last six months he has bulked up to 13st 2lbs and has just appeared in ‘Men’s Fitness’ magazine.

Now a personal trainer, Blake hopes his progress will inspire others with stoma bags to have more confidence.

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