IS IT a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s ‘Pooperman’!

Mike Sharpe, from Netley, will be dressed as a colostomy bag when he runs in the city’s ABP half marathon this April.

The father-of-two, who works as an area sales manager, made the decision after undergoing three operations in the last two years.

Mike, 56, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2015 after experiencing stomach pains while holidaying in Italy.

The diagnosis meant he had to take steroids to combat the illness, but after reducing his dose, his stomach condition only worsened.

He was admitted hospital for nearly a month in 2015 before he was told by doctors that his condition required surgery.

“I was told I should have my bowel taken out because it could burst at any time,” Mike said. “It could have been fatal as I could have got sepsis.”

Mike underwent a four-hour operation in August 2015 to have the large part of his bowel removed.

He also had an ileostomy bag fitted to collect waste products that usually pass through the colon.

Mike went under the knife again in May 2016 for reconstructive surgery, and had another operation to remove the bag five months later.

He is taking part in this year’s half marathon to tackle the stigma around the stomach bags, and raise money for charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

“I decided I would run the marathon as a colostomy bag,” he said. “But I knew this would not be a costume off the peg.

“I got in touch with Lesley Jenking-Hughes, who makes colostomy bag covers from her home in Cornwall.

“She agreed to design and make my costume for ree of charge.”

“I did not need support from Crohn’s and Colitis UK because I am quite strong-minded, but a lot of people do.

“I would much rather people not feel uncomfortable if they get diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.”

Mike admitted his unusual costume will make his challenge harder but he is determined to reach the finish line.

“If I have to walk, I will walk,” he said. “I hope to raise more than £1,000 from this run – I have raised £720 so far.”

Thousands of runners have signed up to take part in the Southampton ABP Marathon, half marathon and 10k run.

The event, taking place on April 23, is expected to attract 10,000 participants.

Donations can be made through Mike’s online page – justgiving.com/fundraising/Mike-Sharpe4.