Hi there,

Thank you for visiting this page. I'm taking part in Walk For Endometriosis this July to raise awareness for this chronic condition that impacts 1 in 10 women globally, including myself.

So what is Endometriosis? It's where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react to hormonal cycles 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. [Source: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/what-endometriosis]. This results in a build up of adhesions and a medley of intense pelvic pain, fatigue, painful bladder and bowel movements, depression, anxiety, infertility, and more. Not fun.

Did you also know that it's currently taking an average of 7.5 years to get diagnosed? That's 190 million people worldwide experiencing extreme pain, sometimes on a daily basis, and it's taking them 7.5 years to understand why....it's no wonder it's referred to as "the most common condition you've never heard of".

A frequent reason for this is that symptoms are dismissed early on as "just bad period pain". If you have ever been told that, or maybe you know someone who is experiencing this, take a quick look at the Endometriosis UK website: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/ - it could save a lot of pain and time.

For example, in my case it took about 15 years to get diagnosed, by which point the endometrial cells had attached my ovaries to my fallopian tubes and pelvic wall. This was causing me pain almost every day, sometimes to the point of being unable to move for long periods of time due to extreme spasms, fatigue, and pelvic pain. I also had episodes of anxiety and depression that often come with the condition. I'm sharing all this to try to help break through some of the taboos around talking about menstrual health and the lack of information on this condition.

Since the surgery, recovery has been very slow and I still have a lot of frustrating pain and fatigue. So I thought that Walk For Endo 2024 would help me stay patient and positive with my recovery, whilst also being a great opportunity to help raise awareness so others might get support more quickly.

If you've made it to the end of this and you want to support the mission to help reduce pain for 190 million people, please donate! All money goes to Endometriosis UK, a fantastic charity working to improve research, support and awareness about this condition (check it all out here for more info: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/ ).

Thank you :)