I'm Jessica Mary Logan. I’m 30 years old and live with multiple conditions. I'm mainly impacted by IBD, M.E/CFS and my mental health. I now live without my colon, rectum and appendix as a result of Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis.

Stoma surgery saved my life. I didn't realise how unwell I was, and it was a complete shock to be told I needed life changing surgery in the same week as my diagnosis. Being close to death at any age is scary and I certainly never expected to be in this situation at the age of 25. This made me feel abnormal, unworthy, and ashamed of myself.

I battled to find self-love, until one day I decided to throw myself out of my comfort zone and get in front of the camera. This was the best decision I have ever made. I felt like a new person.

I now turn my pain into power and use my voice to help others. I'm incredibly honoured to be the first UK j-poucher (person with no colon and post ostomate) going to international pageants to break the stigma and the poo taboo.

Unfortunately, my conditions leave me bed-bound for days, sometimes weeks, and because of this, I had to make the hard decision to give up my career and my plans for children. My health is too unpredictable, and a simple task like shopping or washing up can take it out of me for the entire day.  

I want to show others that we can still achieve our dreams despite our limitations. The battle may be ten times harder, but we can't let it define us and in all honesty I'm too stubborn to let it. I now try to make the most of my good days and rest when it's needed although there are times I overdo it so I'll have a big crash, but what's life if you can't live it?

A lot of my projects focus on raising awareness of invisible illnesses and disabilities. One project I’m particularly proud of is my own pageant - The Warrior Charity Pageant, created for those living with an invisible illness or disability. I believe education is key to ending the discrimination we face on a day to day basis. There is a lack of understanding and more needs to be done to stop the stigma. I hope the Warrior Charity Pageant can be a part of the change we need to see.

Illness or disability can happen to anyone, at any point in their lives, and it’s hard enough to battle without society or the beauty industry making us feel unworthy.

I took part in the swimwear round at Diamond UK pageant. It was an optional round, but I knew I wanted to turn it into a movement and showcase my journey to loving my body.

Since joining pageants, I have felt accepted for who I am, and my visible scars have never phased people. I am excited for the journey ahead. I’m volunteering in my local community, attending events and raising funds for charity. I will also be organising the next Warrior Charity Pageant taking place in November 2023 where I'll be interviewing fighters like myself.