More than just a Character.
Our fans share their stories
Stop Stoma Stigma | Dianne
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
Hi, I’m Dianne, and I’m 53 years old. I’ve been living with Crohn’s Disease since 2000, and in 2006, I had surgery that changed my life—I had my colon and back passage removed, leaving me with a permanent stoma. In the ostomy world, we call it a ‘Barbie butt.’
For years, this deeply affected my mental health and body image. I did everything I could to hide my stoma bag, especially when going on holiday. I felt self-conscious, and for a long time, I struggled to accept my new reality. But with time, and as clothing and swimwear options have evolved, I’ve slowly learned to embrace my body again.
Now, I feel confident and comfortable, whether I’m out and about or enjoying time by the beach!
Life has thrown a few more challenges my way—I’ve recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia—but I refuse to let them define me. I listen to my body, rest when I need to, and keep pushing forward.
If you’re in the place I was 19 years ago, wondering how you’ll ever adjust, please know this: it’s not a life sentence—it’s freedom from pain. You are stronger than you think, and you are not alone. 💙
Resilience In Scrubs | Deloris Corlis-Jones
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
When I was young I wanted to be a teacher or a nurse, and nursing won my heart. After training for three years, I proudly became a nurse in January 1992. From my early days caring for the elderly to my time on a fast-paced medical ward, I poured my heart into every patient I met. Eventually, I found my passion in diabetes care, where I could not only treat patients but also empower them to take control of their health. For over three decades, I watched the NHS evolve, faced challenges, and adapted to changes, but my dedication to my patients never wavered.
Then, in June 2018, my own journey took an unexpected turn.
By July, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In an instant, my role shifted—I was no longer the nurse offering comfort, but the patient in need of care. Vulnerability and fear became my new reality. But through every scan, every treatment, and every moment of uncertainty, I experienced firsthand the same compassion and commitment I had given to others for years.
The NHS became my lifeline, with nurses and doctors guiding me every step of the way. Treatment was grueling—chemotherapy, a Hickman line, radiotherapy, surgery, hair loss and relentless fatigue. Yet, in the midst of it all, I held onto what I knew best: hope. I continued working as much as I could, determined to keep a sense of normalcy and purpose when everything else felt out of my control.
By April 2019, my treatment ended, but the journey of recovery continued. Follow-ups, mammograms, and lingering fatigue reminded me of the battle I had fought. And then, in 2024, I reached a milestone I had been waiting for...
I celebrated five years cancer-free.
That day wasn’t just about survival; it was about resilience, strength, and gratitude. Today, I remain devoted to my work, standing alongside incredible healthcare professionals, continuing to care for others just as I was cared for. My journey has come full circle, and I am living proof that even in the darkest times, there is light. I am proud. I am grateful. I am stronger than ever.
Stronger Than The Obstacles We Face
Michelle Holmes
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
I’ve always loved pushing my limits—running, cycling, and open-water swimming give me a sense of freedom like nothing else. Triathlon became my passion, my escape, and my way of challenging myself.
But life threw me a different kind of endurance test.
At 22, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a brutal autoimmune disease that attacks the large intestine, causing severe pain, bleeding, exhaustion, and an urgent (and often uncontrollable) need for the bathroom. For two years, I fought through hospital stays, IV steroids, and immunosuppressants while holding onto training when I could.But in December 2011, everything changed. A severe flare-up led to emergency surgery to remove my colon, leaving me with a stoma—an opening in my abdomen where my small intestine now empties waste into a bag.
Eight weeks post-surgery, I was back running and swimming.
Five months later, I placed 4th in my age group at a GB qualifier sprint triathlon, running a sub-20-minute 5K.
Four years later, I won a silver medal in my international debut for Team GB.
By 2017, I had become World Standard Distance and European Sprint Distance Triathlon Champion.
In 2019, I ran a 2:55 marathon and later claimed the Guinness World Record for the fastest female marathon runner with an ileostomy.
Every challenge I’ve faced has only made me stronger. Whenever I struggle, I remind myself of the pain I endured, that reminder pushes me forward—through races, workouts, and even tough days at work.
Inclusivity At The Heart
Identity and tradition stand firmly here, and we’re always evolving to ensure they truly represent you—authentically and meaningfully.
That’s why it was an honour for us to work directly with the community, collaborating on the introduction of new cultural headwear and wardrobe.
From headscarves to Kufis, Turbans to Pheta, every design starts with hand-drawn artistry, perfected digitally, and brought to life across all our characters.
Do you have a request? Are we missing something?We want to know about it.
Email gthelwell@toxicfox.co.uk and lets bring your character to life
We Surprised Adversity 🏀
When we heard about the amazing Adversity Volleyball Team, we knew we had to do something special. So, we created custom towels for the team! Each one featuring their very own characters in their team stripe! How cool is that?! 😍
And the best part? We can do the same for YOUR team! Whether it’s volleyball, football, netball—or any sport—you can have personalised team towels that show off your squad in style.
📩 Want in? Drop Gemma a message at gthelwell@toxicfox.co.uk and let’s make it happen!
Building An Inclusive World
At ClaireaBella, our fans are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why, when we set out to create our first-ever wheelchair collection, we knew it had to be a collaborative journey.
Through meaningful discussions and hands-on involvement, our incredible fans helped shape every detail—ensuring this collection truly represents and celebrates everyone. Their insights, creativity, and passion have been invaluable, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve created together.
This project is more than just a collection; it’s a reflection of our commitment to inclusivity and the power of collaboration. Because at ClaireaBella, we don’t just design for you—we design with you.
Discover The Wheelchair Range
Wales's Biggest Fan Get The Shock Of Her Life!
We live for your reactions, and see Claire's was absolutely incredible. We're all about celebrating our customers passions - so we're super proud that we were able to give Claire the Moment which will last forever!
Have you got any videos to share? Send your videos to gthelwell@toxicfox.co.uk or tag us on social for your chance to be featured.
NEW: Flag Towel Collection
Mila | The Unstoppable
Mila | July 2024
We recently received a custom character request from a girl named Mila, who was born with Fibula hemimelia.
Because of this condition, Mila's left leg didn't grow at the same rate as her right one, leading to the difficult decision to amputate her left foot when she was just 12 months old.
From such a young age, Mila has shown incredible resilience and strength, facing her challenges head-on.
Over the years, Mila has had to endure numerous surgeries to manage the growth of her leg. Each operation came with its own set of challenges, but Mila never let them dampen her spirit. Her positivity and courage have been truly inspiring to everyone around her.
Whether she’s learning to walk with a prosthetic or adapting to new ways of doing things, Mila always approaches life with a smile and a can-do attitude.
Mila’s story is one of determination and hope. Her request for a custom character is a testament of her desire to see herself represented in the world. This character isn't just a figure for Mila; it symbolises her journey, her dreams, and her unstoppable spirit and we hope to inspire others facing similar challenges, showing them that they too can overcome obstacles and shine brightly.
If you have a team and want to create something that represents your team spirit, contact gthelwell@toxicfox.co.uk for more information.
Beatrix | Bringing Smiles To The Ward
Beatrix | June 2024
We take pride in creating meaningful and personalised gifts that bring comfort and joy. When young Beatrix went to the hospital for her tonsillectomy, she brought along her favourite blanket and Jute Bag, both starring her fun character!
These special items helped her feel more at home and brought a smile to her face, even in the hospital.
We're delighted to hear that Beatrix is now at home, recovering well, and still finds happiness in her cherished ClaireaBella treasures. Here's to a speedy recovery, Beatrix, and many more moments of joy with your favorite personalised gifts!
Deloris | The Woman Behind Fighter
Deloris | March 2024
We were deeply moved by the heartfelt email from Deloris, a remarkable Breast Cancer survivor who recently reached her incredible milestone of five years all clear - what an absolute triumph!
Deloris's journey not only celebrates her own victory but also honors the resilient community of survivors, fighters, and warriors she represents. It's a privilege beyond measure to be part of her celebration.
In collaboration with the Deloris, we embarked on a journey to create our brand new Fighter Range, dedicated to empowering and celebrating women who are battling or triumphing over cancer and other illnesses.
Deloris was a champion throughout the development process! Her insights, spirit and determination shaped an extraordinary collection that we are tremendously excited to introduce to the world.
The Fighter Range reminds us all of the strength and courage within every woman fighting her own battles. Together, we stand as a testament to the power of community and the triumph of the human spirit.
Proud Jem | Normalising Stoma's
Jem | March 2024
Jem reached out to our team to create a character that truly reflected her authentic self. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis as a teenager, Jem faced a severe flare in 2007 that led to the permanent need for a 'Stoma Bag,' which she affectionately named Bella.
Unapologetically, Jem embraces Bella as a part of her identity and insisted that her character do the same whilst helping to raise awareness.
At the heart of our brand ethos is the celebration of individual identity, making collaborating with Jem an extraordinary journey. We're elated to have played a part in her empowerment and in raising awareness of bowel disease and stomas.
The Stoma Bag has become a permanent fixture on all our Character Builders, embodying our commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Extraordinary Erin | Our First Amputee Character
Erin | March 2024
We received a touching email from Laurie, mother to Erin—a remarkable six-year-old born missing her lower left arm.
There’s nothing Erin can’t do 💪🏼 from learning to tie laces to swimming - she amazes everyone around her.
At ClaireaBella we champion uniqueness and individuality, so we couldn’t have been more thrilled to with Erin. She helped our designers to create a character she should truly relate to and a character that helps to celebrate other little girls.
We're honored to be part of Erin's story and remain dedicated to creating meaningful connections that embrace diversity 🤩
Amazing Anna | Inclusive Skin Tones
Anna | March 2024
We recently received a touching email from Jennie, the mother of Anna, an extraordinary young girl living with the rare skin condition Ichthyosis.
Anna, a true superstar, expressed her heartfelt desire for her character to reflect her unique appearance, and it was our privilege to make this happen!
Collaborating closely with Anna and Jennie, we developed a new skin tone that truly resonated with them.
The response we received deeply resonated with us: 'When a company goes above and beyond for no other reason than to be inclusive, you have to give them some major props.'Jennie and Anna, we extend our sincere gratitude to you for entrusting us with the opportunity to bring your character to life.
It's been an honor.
Unstoppable Isla | Insulin Pump
Isla | March 2024
As a brand committed to inclusivity, we were deeply moved when a Isla’s mum approached us, asking to have an insulin pump added to her character.
We are genuinely thrilled to have assisted in bringing her vision to life. This encounter serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of representation and understanding in our commitment to creating a world where everyone feels recognized and valued.
ClaireaBella Rescued Me
Lisa Hind | March 2023
My Claireabella journey started in 2015 and it's been a wild ride ever since.
I still remember the day I got my first jute bag - it was like winning the lottery and I felt like a superstar! From that moment on, I knew I was part of the ClaireaBella family, and I wanted to make my mark with my very own design.
But it hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows for me. I struggled with mental anxiety and depression and it felt like I was trapped in someone else's mind. But then, ClaireaBella came to my rescue! Their products, like phone cases and hoodies, brought me so much joy and helped me through the tough times. And now, I'm proud to say that I have a whole collection of ClaireaBella items, including throws and Suitcases.
Wherever I go, people can't help but notice my ClaireaBella swag! I get compliments from men and women of all ages, and it's a great conversation starter. When people see my phone case or brush, they can't believe how big the company is and how many awesome products they have.
But out of all the amazing items, my absolute favourite has to be the ClaireaBella Onesie. It's versatile, cosy, and fits like a glove. Plus, it gives me the chance to show off my unique design! I couldn't imagine life without my ClaireaBella family, and I'm excited to see what the future holds. Xx
The UKs Biggest ClaireaBella Collector!
Tracy | Feb 2023
Out of all the ClaireaBella products that you own what product is your favourite?
The Fan That Evolved The Brand.
Tania | Feb 2023
I first discovered Claireabella back in 2010 when I first saw the cast of Towie carrying the unique bags. I knew I had to have one!
Back then you needed to bid on Twitter for Platinum Jute Bags - it was nerve-racking (with a hint of excitement 😂). You needed to stalk the ClaireaBella website for when Claire would announce the release of the bags - no time was given and they sold out in seconds (it was a rush).
I actually still can not believe I managed to get one and excitedly thinking of an idea for Claireabella to create - they're such a creative team, they really bring your imagination to life... and then iconic pink parcel bag arrives! You just know something amazing is inside 😍
From then on I was addicted!
My most favourite bag which I will treasure forever is the first skin toned bag ever created- up until this point the Characters on the Jute Bags had no skin tones - my tone was the first to be created 💋
During the 2020 lockdown I was so thrilled the brand reached out to me to help advertise their National Hero range. It felt fantastic to be appreciated through such a demanding stressful time, and I just love the fact the brand recognised all of us heroes.
My Nurse Jute Bag was always a talking point at work Xx
Super Fan, spills the tea!
Shanice | Jan 2023
I came across ClaireaBella around 2019 and immediately fell in love with all that it stood for - I was instantly converted to an 'aBella 💝.
I had so much fun making my first ever ClaireaBella, each one of us is unique, whether that's down to a certain body type, tattoo, expression, outfit, hairstyle or facial feature. One thing I do love is the inclusivity of the brand, for me this is important. I have a beauty spot which is completely unique to me and ClaireaBella went above and beyond to include this on their characters - amazing!
Another WOW moment in my ClaireaBella journey was when I got the chance to design my own beach towel which is now available on the site - not many brands are this fan focused - I believe that everybody should have an ClaireaBella in their lives 💝.
I would just like to personally thank everyone at ClaireaBella for everything you do for your fans, for always taking the time to listen to us and value our opinions you're all amazing 👏🏻💝
Super proud to be part of the 'aBella family and I look forward to seeing what the future holds 🤩😍💝 xxx
Hubby got the 6 pack he always wanted!
Cheryl Harvey | 16th Jan 2023
I am absolutely in love with this brand! It's so original, bright, fun, and unique - that's what me fall in love with it. It's like a breath of fresh air for my imagination!
I have spend countless hours creating characters of my family and friends, always brings a smile to my face and I have shared a fair few giggles with friends when they've seen their ClaireaBella Mini Me. It's truly addictive and I can't stop creating these vibrant gifts!
My family is now hooked too and they all want characters of themselves, it's so contagious! My husband even got a good laugh out of the character I made of him with a "comb over" hairstyle and six pack (he's still working on that 😂) My niece loved the sassy eyelashes, pout and sass I gave her character.
Creating my own character made me feel confident and proud, it's truly amazing and I can't get enough of it!
