Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On June 15th I'll be running the Montane Summer Spine Sprint to raise much needed funds for Endometriosis UK.

The Spine Sprint is a non-stop, 46 mile race along the Pennine Way from Edale to Hebden Bridge with a time limit of 18 hours. It starts at midday so I'll be running into the night over technical terrain and there are no check points at where I can refuel and fill up my water bottles so I'll be self-sufficient, carrying everything I need to complete the challenge along with all the safety equipment I need to cross the fells of the Peak District.

I've chosen Endometriosis UK for this year's running challenge because as an Endo sufferer myself I know just how crippling this disease is and the impact it has on a woman's life.

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. These cells react to the menstrual cycle each month and also bleed. However, there is no way for this blood to leave the body. This can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue on organs. Endo can cause: Chronic pain; Fatigue/lack of energy; Depression/isolation; Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships; An inability to conceive; Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments.

Don't be surprised if you've never heard of Endometriosis, I only heard of it just before I was diagnosed during surgery for a full hysterectomy. In the UK, around 1.5 million women are sufferers, that's 1 in 10 females. You will know someone who has endo and due to the fact that it takes on average 8 years of repeated visits to doctors and hospitals you probably know women who are yet to be diagnosed.

As well as raising funds I also aim to raise awareness of this condition. There's still no cure for endometriosis, it's a chronic condition which can lead to multiple operations and attempts to manage it with pain killing and hormone blocking medications. I still have pain every single day despite having had my reproductive organs removed. I'll never have a pain free day although for me something good has come from this as it was the reason I began running as a way to take control of my pain, it's also given me the ability to endure long periods of suffering which will hopefully get me through the 46 miles of the Spine Race and bring in funds for Endometriosis UK.

I appreciate any donation however large or small so thank you to everyone who sponsors me.