The day Nikki Penrice was shouted at for using a disabled toilet, she was left devastated.
Having recently undergone major surgery for bowel cancer, Nikki, 36, relied on accessible toilets due to her stoma, which required extra space and privacy. However, a stranger accused her of not having a disability, dismissing her needs simply because they were not visible.
Although the woman eventually apologised after Nikki explained her condition, the experience stuck with her. It made her realise that she was not alone, many people with hidden disabilities face judgment, discomfort, and anxiety when using accessible facilities.
Determined to change public perception, Nikki joined Colostomy UK’s Purple Sticker Campaign, which aims to raise awareness and encourage businesses and public spaces to improve disabled toilet accessibility.
What is the Purple Sticker Campaign?
The Purple Sticker Campaign provides a clear visual marker on accessible toilets, ensuring that they meet a specific set of accessibility standards, including:
✔️ A hook for medical equipment or bags
✔️ A mirror for those needing to adjust medical devices
✔️ A sanitary bin for personal waste disposal
✔️ A sink for hygiene and medical needs
✔️ Adequate surface space for medical supplies
This initiative is not just for wheelchair users, it acknowledges that not all disabilities are visible and aims to reduce judgment and stigma toward those who need these facilities.
A Family on a Mission: Getting 50 Businesses Signed Up
Nikki and her seven-year-old son, Reggie, have set a bold goal: getting 50 establishments in Bicester and Banbury to display the Purple Sticker by the end of the year.
One of the first to sign up was The Hummingbird Centre, a cancer support centre in Launton, near Bicester, that helped both Nikki and Reggie through her recovery journey.
Mechelle Harris, founder of The Hummingbird Centre, expressed her support:
“We are delighted to support Nikki and Reggie’s Purple Sticker Campaign. This initiative is so important, both in changing public perception of who needs disabled facilities and in ensuring people with hidden disabilities feel confident using them.”
Nikki, who was pregnant with her daughter, Connie, now three, when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer, knows first-hand how difficult it can be to navigate life with an invisible disability.
“Just because you don’t have a walking stick or aren’t in a wheelchair, it doesn’t mean you don’t need accessible toilets,” she said.
“I want to make things easier for others who may not feel confident speaking up.”
Why This Campaign Matters: The Reality of Hidden Disabilities
- 1 in 5 People in the UK Have a Disability—But 80% Are Invisible
- According to Colostomy UK, more than 13 million people in the UK live with a disability, and 80% of these are hidden.
Many individuals with conditions like:
- Crohn’s disease or colostomies
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Fibromyalgia and chronic pain
- Autism and sensory processing disorders
Face daily struggles when accessing public spaces. The Purple Sticker Campaign aligns with national efforts, such as the “Not Every Disability is Visible” initiative, which advocates for more inclusive, judgment-free spaces.
Strengthening the Call to Action: How You Can Help
Are You a Business Owner or Know an Establishment That Can Participate?
If your business, workplace, or a local café, restaurant, or store has accessible toilets, consider joining the campaign.
- 📩 To get involved, contact Mechelle Harris at The Hummingbird Centre:
- 📧 Email: mechelle@thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk
- 📍 Location: The Hummingbird Centre, Launton, near Bicester
Your support can help create a more inclusive community.
Let’s make Bicester and Banbury leaders in accessibility awareness.
Together, we can make a difference.
Final Thoughts: Why Visibility Matters
Nikki’s personal journey has turned into a powerful movement. By encouraging businesses and public spaces to adopt the Purple Sticker, she and Reggie are breaking down barriers for people with hidden disabilities.
Because accessibility is not just about mobility—it’s about dignity, inclusion, and understanding.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ The Purple Sticker Campaign helps people with hidden disabilities access judgment-free, fully equipped disabled toilets.
✔️ 80% of disabilities are invisible, yet many still face stigma and challenges.
✔️ Local businesses in Bicester and Banbury are encouraged to join the movement.
✔️ You can take action by emailing The Hummingbird Centre to help bring this initiative to more locations.
Let’s work together to make public spaces more inclusive for all.
