As a long-term sufferer of Crohn’s disease, Marcia faces pain on a daily basis and has had to undergo intensive operations that many of us will never have to endure.

So it is little wonder that she has been flooded with praise after uploading a bikini photograph of herself — stoma bag on display — in a bid to tackle the stigma of her condition.

The tremendous thing about her selfie is that it has already inspired hundreds of other people who wear stoma bags to follow suit, proving that sometimes it can take just one person in a moment of courage to help break taboos.

We are sure many other Crohn’s sufferers out there, much like Lochwinnoch grandmother Victoria Lee, who also applauded Marcia, are likely to feel far more comfortable in their own skin knowing that society can understand conditions like these in a far more accurate way.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in this week’s paper we also have the inspirational story of local model Steffie Hill, who has showed her former bullies that their words can no longer have an impact on her life.

I’m sure we’ve all faced taunts or harsh words at some point but, when it comes to bullying, many will agree that the best way to fight back is to refuse to let their words get you down.

The problem with bullies is that much of what they say stems from their own insecurities, although when you are young this is obviously difficult to understand.

And, while she once couldn’t face going into school for fear of being ridiculed for her looks, Steffie has fought back and is now making a career out of her newfound confidence.

Lastly, we must also offer a message of support to Marten McFee’s parents, Iris and Bruce, who have asked the community to ‘keep smiling’ when they lay their son to rest today.

It is the most heartbreaking thing in the world for any parent to say goodbye to their child so we find it incredibly brave that the couple are still, even during this terrible time, making sure they carry on Marten’s legacy.

We are certain they will make it a great one.