I'm rapidly approaching my 50th birthday and wanted to be fit at 50 but pei-menopause has hit me hard taking away my energy and motivation. When I heard about The Mona Lisa Laser Fund I decided this was the motivation I needed to start my journey to being fitter at 50. I am pledging to do some exercise every day in November and any funds I raise will be donated to this great cause.

I am supporting the Liverpool Women's Hospital Charity appeal to raise vital funds for the purchase of a Mona Lisa Laser to enable clinical trials and transform the lives of women from across the region.The Mona Lisa Laser uses laser therapy to treat vaginal atrophy, which is a very common condition among women following cancer treatment and during menopause. Vaginal atrophy is a condition where a lack of oestrogen on the tissue quality in the vulva, vagina, urethra and bladder causes extremely uncomfortable and painful symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, dryness, pain during sexual intercourse and recurrent urinary tract infections. The treatment provided by this piece of equipment will allow many female cancer survivors to reclaim their lives, live more comfortably and recover from the physical and emotional impact of undergoing cancer treatment, as well as treating the 80% of women who experience this condition during the menopause.