HS Warrior Stories Submission Form

2 min read...

Welcome, Warrior. Thank you for your courage. This is your space to tell your story, your way.

When I started this personal mission to raise awareness for HS, I knew that one day I wanted to help others share their story too. That's why your stories will be displayed on my brand new HS focused website: www.livinglifewithhs.co.uk (Go check it out later, if you haven't already!) - I aim to build this community into the UK's number one resources for all things HS related.

I have just launched a brand new "Your Stories" page, providing people a place to share their story which I hope will be empowering for you, as well as inspirational to others reading. You can see what it looks like here: https://livinglifewithhs.co.uk/your-stories

Because I value your time I must point out that you may need to allow up to 1 hour to complete this form. (It may be much faster) I should also point out that I am asking for photographs as a requirement, please. Whilst this may seem a little daunting, please allow me to explain.

I do not believe that we have anything to hide from, nor be ashamed of. I am cultivating a community where we can support each other. If you share my passion then this is your time to shine. That's it, as simple as that.

Thank you in advance for your support and whether you decide to share or not, please keep an eye on the new website as I have several projects planned over the coming months to help and support you.

Gareth (Gaz)

If you are comfortable to proceed, let's start with section 1: Your Snapshot.

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Email *Phone Number (optional)

If you would like to join any of our WhatsApp peer-to-peer support groups, please state which group(s) you would like to join. 1. The main group for everyone. 2. The female-only group. 3. The male-only group.

If you request to join a group, an admin will aim to send out an invite within 48 hours, thank you.

First Name (Nickname if you prefer) *Age (20's, 30's, 40's etc is fine if you prefer)Location (County) *Social Media Handles - OPTIONAL - if you would like us to display your social media handles so that others may contact you, please state what they are (Facebook, TikTok etc) and write your handle (s).How long have you been battling HS? *Less than a year1 to 5 years6 to 10 years11 to 15 years16 to 20 yearsMore than 20 yearsWhat Hurley Stage are you? *Stage 1Stage 2Stage 3Unsure/It VariesIn one or two sentences, what's the biggest lesson HS has taught you? *In a few sentences, what makes you tick? What are your hobbies and interests? *

Do you have any passions or hidden talents?

What makes you happy? *What is one goal that you have for the future, HS related or otherwise? *Would you like to give anybody a shoutout for their support? Feel free to let us know who helps and supports you and how.

The Heart of Your Story

Now for the main event. Please choose the 3-4 questions below that speak to you most. You don't need to answer all of them. Just tell us what feels important. Please write as much, or little as you feel comfortable sharing. Please also feel free to be honest and direct, this means if you wish to use bad language then it is fine. Please be your honest, unfiltered, glorious self!

The Beginning: Tell us about your diagnosis journey...A Day in the Life: What does a 'bad' day with HS look like for you?...The Unseen Battle: How has HS impacted your mental health or confidence?...Finding What Works: What are the non-medical 'life hacks' that help you?...A Moment of Strength: Tell us about a time you felt you 'won' against HS...The Message: If you could say one thing to someone newly diagnosed, what would it be?Anything else you would like to say, perhaps there is a question you would like to answer that hasn't been asked. Here is your chance to write whatever you like.

Show Us Your Fight (The Photos)

This is a vital part of the mission. We need to show the world the real faces of this war. Please upload a minimum of 3 photos in total. I appreciate that for some people sharing their face and photos of themselves may be a daunting prospect and I understand if you do not wish to proceed. However, if you have the courage and bravery then you can feel proud knowing that you are helping to change the landscape for others living life with HS. Thank you.

Your Face (Required) *

Please upload a clear photo of yourself. We want to see the warrior behind the story.

Your Reality (Required) *

Please upload 1-5 photos that show the reality of your HS. This can be your scars, a fresh flare-up, your dressings—whatever feels true to your experience. Your honesty here is a powerful weapon.

Your Joy *

Please upload 1-3 photos of something that brings you joy—a pet, a person, a place, a hobby. This shows the world that we are more than our disease.

The Final Step (Consent)

Thank you. This is the final, most important step. By submitting your story, you are giving us permission to share it. Please read the statement below and check the box to agree.

I live in the UK & Ireland? (including surrounding islands etc) *I confirmI consent to AI being used to process my data, including images, in order to build out your story page on the website. Please see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for more information. *I consentBy checking this box, I, [Your Name], *

1. I consent to LIVING LIFE WITH HS C.I.C. securely storing my submitted story and photographs for the purpose of publishing them on the website and associated social media. 1.1 If I have provided my phone number, I consent to LIVING LIFE WITH HS C.I.C. securely storing it for the purpose of adding me to the requested WhatsApp support group(s), and I understand my phone number will be visible to other members of those groups. 2. I have read and agree to the website's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We retain your personal data for as long as you remain an active subscriber or member of our community. If you unsubscribe from our mailing list or leave our support groups, we will securely delete your data within 12 months of your departure. For more information you may wish to review our Governance & Policies page. 3. I confirm I am 18+ years of age and a resident of the United Kingdom & Ireland. (Including surrounding islands which access the NHS) 4. I understand that by submitting these photos and stories, they will be published on the Living Life With HS website and social media.

I confirm and consent to the above.