We recently chatted in depth with Harry, one of Den’s new models in their Autumn Winter 2024 campaign, about modelling for Den and life with his stoma.
Hi Harry, tell us how did you get introduced to Den and What led you to model for them?
I first saw Den, on Glen himself at a party and I had to know where he got his harness from. We ended up speaking and he recognised the stoma and we thought it would be great to collaborate together. to not only show people that you can have confidence in wearing underwear and harnesses but also show that anyone with a disability is included in this brand
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How do you express yourself through your clothes?Â
Well recently I’ve got into briefs, if I’m going out, it would be jeans t-shirts or trousers, when I need a comfortable day it would need to be my Den union suit, but of course when I’m at the club, I do love a harness
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What do you wear on a typical day?Â
My typical day would have to start with briefs obviously, my Den ones are the most comfortable, then would have to be jeans and a T-shirt and then when I end up in the club, the harness has to come out, especially with my Den ones, they are so comfortable to wear and then the next day when I need to lounge about it would have to be my Den union suit.
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How have your family and friends reacted to the stoma?
My family and friends have been nothing other than supportive, they’ve been absolutely wonderful, I’m so blessed and lucky to have them in my life. Thankfully no one has judged me for it and if any case it just made me feel more confident
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What advice would you give to someone who is trying to support someone with a stoma bag?Â
I would say just be aware that they will have many insecurities and just be kind, be there for them and you know, understand that they’ve been through a lot.
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What advice would you give to someone who is in a similar position to you?Â
So anyone with a stoma, you need to remember that time heals time and you’re not going to be fixed tomorrow, it’s a process, and there are going to be bad days and going to be good days, in any case, you’re going to get through it if you keep your head up and look for the positives, life is also about perspective and you can see it in a positive way or a negative way and that’s a choice you have to make but I promise you, the positive way is the best way.
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What’s been the biggest change since getting your stoma bag?
The biggest change for me is I’m no longer sick a and this has changed my life drastically. Before I was super unwell, I was really struggling in life and I had to quit two jobs. I found that I had no purpose other than being on the toiler, which at 22/23 is a really really hard thing to grasp and get your head around.
The positive side is I’m healthy, I’m well. I get to fly around the world, get on a train and I now no longer have stress. The only negative is I have to wake up in the night to empty it, so I do look like I’ve got bags under my eyes, twenty-four seven but there is make up for that. I’m also really happy now whereas before I was really really sad. That’s the biggest change. I’m happy.
You can see Harry model in the latest Den Loungewear campaign this Autumn below.Â
