A Glasgow man who is 'proud of his stoma bag' is to go 'taps aff' and walk through the city centre in an effort to raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding the medical device.

Dad-to-be Alan Ritchie, from Pollok, plans to march with the pouch on display from Charing Cross to George Square on Saturday May 8, and hopes to raise funds for charity Colostomy UK - which supports people living with stomas - while he is at it.

The 31-year-old suffers from Diverticulitis Disease - a condition that causes small, bulging pouches to develop in the digestive tract before becoming infected.

Alan had the stoma bag fitted in July 2019, but struggled with it for months before eventually having surgery to get it reversed. However, unforeseen complications during the operation meant doctors had to refit the stoma bag within days due to potentially fatal risks, the Daily Record reports.

Ahead of his charity walk, Alan admits he is nervous to show the world his bag, but says he is proud to raise awareness with the support of his friends and family.

He told the paper: "I just believe you can still be beautiful and you can still enjoy yourself. I didn't think I would find a normal life, but you can. I was really low and didn't think it was possible.

"It's something in my stomach but it's not something you always talk about. It used to be all negative when I was talking about it but now it is positive. Whether I raise a tenner or a grand, everything helps."

To donate to Alan's fundraiser, click here.