People are furious about this man's Parkrun picture – it's time to set them straight

After lacing up his trainers to take part in a Parkrun a picture posted by one runner sparked outrage online.

Robert Gale, from Newport , had recently undergone surgery as a result of having Crohn's Disease and he shared a picture with his colostomy bag to social media.

And, rather strangely, a number of people reacted negatively to his proud moment – it was the 40-year-old's first Parkrun following his operation.

During the run at Bryn Bach in Tredegar he noticed that one of the club members was photographing runners so decided to get his colostomy bag out with the hope that he would capture it along with Mr Gale's Colostomy UK vest.

(Robert Gale/My New Bum)

The response to the picture was mostly positive, said Mr Gale, but there were a few negative comments that stood out to him.

One person commented: "So that's how you wear it, is it? Over the top of your clothes? Talk about it fair enough but why go around with it hung out, it should be a private thing."

Another added: "Not sure these photos are suitable for family viewing."

(Robert Gale/My New Bum)

Mr Gale, however, said he would like to help those who felt offended to understand the situation.

He said: "Prior to the small amount of negative feedback on Facebook I had received an enormous amount of positive feedback from my surgeon, my stoma team, my friends and family, my running club, other running clubs and my acquaintances on social media.

"I shouldn't be surprised that there would be some negative feedback and I let it wash over me.

"The hard work I put into my recovery has prepared me mentally so that I'm not ashamed for people to know about my bag and to show it off so if I receive negative comments I don't let them get to me.

"Instead I would rather try and help those with negative comments to understand that having a colostomy bag is completely normal and from my, albeit limited, experience, people are more curious about them than offended."

Mr Gale has been documenting his procedure – before, during and after – on a blog to try and help normalise having a colostomy bag.

Robert is trying to raise awareness about colostomy bags (Mark Lewis)

You can read his blog, called My New Bum, here .