Thank you very much for visiting my fundraising page. I am currently a trustee of Endometriosis UK. Please see http://www.endometriosis-uk.org/ which explains in more detail what we are doing and why (and yes, we are going to do it wearing pink knickers too! Thank you to La Senza for sponsoring our pants). LATEST UPDATE! - We have completed the challenge! My blog on http://www.endometriosis-uk.org/getinvolved/fundraising_events/blogs/carol_home.html has not yet been updated for the challenge but it will be very soon!

I have personally had a long and difficult journey with this disease and this is going to be a hard challenge for me as I await my 7th operation, this time for ureteral endometriosis. I have been fortunate to have had excellent treatment but not all women are as lucky. I am extremely grateful to my friends, family and colleagues for their continued support.

Sadly, endometriosis affects a lot of women - it's as common as diabetes and yet many people have never heard of it. Latest statistics show that it takes an average of 11 years to diagnose (surgery being the only reliable way of diagnosing it), leads to an average sickness absence of over 65 days a year and costs the UK economy approximately £2bn per annum. It is little understood and rarely talked about, with some very personal symptoms, so it can be extremely isolating for women - it can affect many aspects of a woman's life including her relationships, ability to work and fertility.

Women with endometriosis deserve a much better deal. Endometriosis UK gives women much needed support and information, as well as giving us an important national voice. Please help us to fight for a better deal and sponsor me now! You can make a difference.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Endometriosis UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you very much.