My name is Poppy, 23, and it took me 5 years to be diagnosed with Endometriosis. During this time it has progressed to stage 4, the final and most severe stage, and has spread all over my body including my diaphram (Diaphragmatic Endometriosis) a very rare and even less researched form which has left me with chronic shoulder pain, fatigue, nausea, fainting and trouble breathing. I have been told that had I been diagnosed 5 years ago this could have been prevented with treatment, yet nobody listened to me all those years. I have left doctor appointments and A&E departments in tears, fustrated that nobody was believing me or understanding me. I was even told I was "making it up" by a gynaecologist who took me for my Laparoscopy for diagnosis. Unfortunately I am not alone, 90% say the pain and other symptoms they experience are disbelived, dismissed or ignored by doctors, employers and even friends.

This is why I am running 10K for Endometriosis UK, to help improve awareness and prevent others from facing such damage to both their physical and mental health as a result of delay in diagnosis.

For those who may not have heard of Endometrisis, you may be suprised to learn that it is a condition as common as diabetes, affecting 1 in 10 born with a uterus. Its where tissue similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. It is a chronic and often debilitating condition that can cause long, painful periods, painful sex and pain outside of periods. It may lead to infertility, bowel and bladder problems. The impact can be felt for life and there is currently no lasting cure.

Your donations will mean that Endometriosis UK can continue to support those affected by Endometriosis and continue to campaign for change, fairer treatment and eventually a cure.