Makeup artist Bethany Townsend became an internet star last week when her bikini selfie went viral. The 23-year-old from Worcester who suffers from Crohn's disease took to Facebook to share the snap of herself sporting a teeny tiny bikini and two colostomy bags.
No sooner had the picture hit the social media site, than it went viral. The photo shed light on hundreds of other Crohn's and ulcerative colitis sufferers, their stories and their bikini selfies.
A huge collection of the photos can be found on the Crohn's and colitis Facebook page under the hashtag #GetYourBellyOut. Although Bethany's was the first photo to go viral, the campaign which originally inspired her has seen hundreds of sufferers to speak out about their symptoms and how the conditions have affected their lives.
In early June Vickie Morris shared a similar selfies, noting: "Right I have been uploading holiday pics but held back on one!
"Why? I don't know because I thought people wouldn't approve! Today I had a response and though F**k you! I always bang on about 'support my cause' and 'raise awareness' so what better way than to bare all...so here it goes!
"I am almost a yr done and proud ! I have battled Crohns Colitis for the past 4 yrs and close family and friends will know how much this means. Here goes nothing eek! I wear my bag with pride."
To find out more about Crohn's and Colitis watch the video below. And for more inspiring stories make sure to visit the Crohn's and Colitis UK Facebook page.