Buttony Bears charity transforms lives through empathy and understanding.
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A decade of compassion: The story behind Buttony Bears
In a world where childhood can be filled with challenges, the story of Buttony Bears stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience. Founded by Jenny Gow, the charity emerged from a deeply personal experience when her daughter Eilidh underwent life-changing surgery at just three years old.
The emotional journey of navigating a stoma became the catalyst for a movement that has touched the lives of countless children and families across the UK.
From personal struggle to community support
Jenny recalls the fear and confusion that enveloped her family during Eilidh’s surgery.
“We were told the stoma would make her well, and we jumped at that chance,” she reflects. However, the reality of seeing her daughter with a stoma was overwhelming. This moment, though difficult, sparked an idea that would grow into something extraordinary. Ten years ago, with the help of local volunteers in Ballater, Jenny launched Buttony Bears, a charity dedicated to supporting children living with stomas.
The concept was simple yet profound: each child receives a cuddly bear fitted with a replica pouch, mirroring their own stoma. This thoughtful gesture aims to alleviate feelings of isolation and foster a sense of normalcy. The inspiration for the bear came from a friend who sewed a button onto a soft toy as a representation of Eilidh’s stoma, leading to the creation of Buttony.
Empowering children through storytelling
As the charity celebrates its tenth anniversary, it does so with a personal touch. Jenny’s youngest daughter, Louise, has penned a children’s book titled Nothing Can Stop Bear Now, which addresses the stigma surrounding stomas and the importance of open communication. Growing up alongside her sister Eilidh, Louise often found it challenging to discuss her sister’s condition. “When Eilidh was younger, she wasn’t comfortable with anyone knowing about the stoma,” Jenny explains. The new book aims to break down these barriers, illustrating how discussing difficult topics can empower children.
Louise’s narrative resonates with many families, highlighting the emotional complexities that arise when a sibling has a chronic illness. Eilidh, now 27, continues to thrive despite her permanent stoma, pursuing her passion for film directing at Glasgow’s Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Her journey reflects resilience, as she embraces life with enthusiasm, bungee jumping and living fearlessly.
Changing perceptions and fostering understanding
Over the past decade, Buttony Bears has distributed more than 11,000 bears, providing comfort not only to children but also to their families. Jenny shares a touching story of a grandmother who noted how the bear helped the entire family adjust to the new reality. Feedback like this reinforces the charity’s mission and the impact it has on the lives of those it serves. “Buttony Bear is magical,” one parent remarked, illustrating the profound effect of the initiative.
Jenny believes that much of the stigma surrounding stomas stems from a lack of understanding. To combat this, the charity plans to launch an educational pack for schools in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, aimed at demystifying the gastrointestinal system and the reasons some individuals require stomas. “If you explain things early, they’re not scary anymore,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of education in fostering empathy and acceptance.
As Buttony Bears looks to the future, Jenny reflects on the incredible journey thus far. With support from the community and even a letter from Queen Camilla, the charity continues to thrive, driven by a shared commitment to helping children feel seen and understood. “We never imagined it would grow like this,” Jenny admits, proud of the legacy that has emerged from a personal struggle.
