Inverness man to take part in 66-mile cycle challenge - three months after surgery

A Highland man will take on a huge cycle around Loch Ness this Sunday, just three months after major stoma surgery.

Kieran Bryson has undergone two procedures since October for a condition called Sigmoid volvulus, where part of the colon is severely twisted.

After years of stomach issues, the 24-year-old now lives with a stoma bag and is keen to inspire others in a similar situation.

'My stomach was like a baloon'

Kieran, who lives in Inverness, will take part in Etape Loch Ness which is 66 miles in length.

It is described as 'Scotland’s largest and most iconic closed road cycle sportive.'

Kieran explained how he has suffered stomach issues for as long as he can remember and how it's affected attending school and higher education.

"I've had stomach problems my whole life. 

"It was always written off as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

"We moved up here and one of the doctors felt there just wasn't something quite right. 

"I ended up in Raigmore A&E and they did a CT scan, because my stomach was like a baloon.

"They described it as like squeezing a (tube of) toothpaste with the lid on."

As he prepares to attempt Etape Loch Ness with his brother, Kieran outlined how he wants to be an inspiration for others and signed up for the event after his first surgery in October.

He added: "I signed up to it on my recovery bed straight after surgery, so it would have given me about six months training. 

"Then in January I had to have my second stoma surgery, which threw a spanner in the works. 

"Obviously it was quite daunting at first because it is completely different. 

"It has taken a few months to adapt to it on top of training for the Etape as well.

"I can't just rush into training because I've been recovering from surgery and it is quite a major surgery.

"I want to show others living in a similar situation that a stoma doesn't mean the end at all because, to be honest, I've done more in these last few months than I have in my whole life." 

As part of his training, Kieran explained how he initially copied a famous scene from the 2007 film 'Mr Bean's Holiday.'

Kieran said: "You have to take it really easy, because you're more prone to a parastomal hernia.

"I've been doing gentle core stuff, cycling like Mr Bean, when he's upright on the bike going past the cyclists. 

"I've managed to lean over a bit now and a few bigger rides. 

"Hydration is a big thing because I've got an ileostomy, so you de-hydrate a lot faster."

Kieran is fundraising for the charity Guts UK, who support those with digestive conditions and fund vital research.