A Belfast nurse has spoken about her brave decision to have stoma surgery, so she can focus on helping others. Abby Robinson from Portrush has now graduated with a degree in Children and Young People Nursing from Queen's University Belfast.
This marks the start of a dream career as a Children's Nurse at Causeway Hospital - the very same hospital that cared for her through her childhood. Abby's interest in nursing started with her own experience with illness. She was diagnosed at 15 years with Ulcerative Colitis, spending three years with debilitating symptoms amounting to over 50 hospital admissions.
Her physical health challenges also took a toll on her mental health, which resulted in her leaving school during her A-levels. However, it was at the age of 18 years that Abby made a life-changing decision to undergo stoma surgery, which finally rid her of the chronic pain and symptoms that had plagued her over these years. This courageous step allowed her to return to education, enrolling at Ballymoney Tech and achieving a Level 3 qualification in Childcare.
Abby’s own health journey inspired her to change her career path. Even if at first she wanted to be a primary school teacher, now she was sure that she would be a Children's Nurse. In 2021, Abby then entered Queen's University Belfast, where her study as a nurse began.
Despite additional health challenges, including another surgery, Abby kept her head down and with determination was able to excel in her studies. Reflecting on her time at Queens, Abby credits the exceptional support that she received throughout her course, particularly from her lecturers and Disability Services.
“Over the three years of my course the support I had from Queen’s was first-class. I had two operations during my course and thought I might have to defer, however my lecturers’ support meant this didn’t happen. They directed me to Disability Services, who were very understanding and supportive.” Abby said.
She praises the assistance she received from the Disability Services at Queens, explaining that their support was crucial to her achieving her degree, “During nursing placements, I was worried that having a stoma bag would hold me back, however adjustments were put in place by Disability Services to ensure this didn’t happen. Without the support I received from Queen’s, I don’t think I would be where I am today, a fully qualified paediatric nurse.”
Abby's perseverance did not stop with her personal recovery. She became an avid advocate for stoma awareness, using her Instagram account, “The Life of Spencer”, to share her story and inspire others living with stomas to lead fulfilling lives. She also joined the IBD patient panel at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, providing feedback on service provision and raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease.
One of the most rewarding parts of her journey has been to design the IBD Buddy scheme launched in 2023: a scheme pairing those living with IBD with volunteers for support and encouragement. Abby herself has become an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
Now, Abby is to begin her career as a Community Children's Nurse and says she's excited to give something back to the hospital that cared for her. "It is a dream come true to begin my career as a Community Children’s Nurse at Causeway Hospital. Having spent so much time there during my own health battles, I am now ready to give back, helping children and young people who have their own health problems,” she said.
Abby has always wanted to pursue Children's Nursing out of a personal urge. "I chose Children’s Nursing because I always loved working with children. From my journey I recognise how difficult it is going into hospital, and I hope that I can use my own experiences to help other children through a vulnerable time in their lives. But also, to show children that having a health condition does not stop you from living your life. I believe everything happens for a reason,” she said.
Such a remarkable journey recently saw Abby being awarded the Mighty Woman NI Award, recognising the women who inspire others with their success, ambition, and endurance.
Abby’s graduation is not only a testament to her resilience but also the beginning of a career dedicated to helping children through some of the toughest times in their lives. Her story is a powerful reminder that, with determination and the right support, anything is possible.
English (United States) ·