One in ten women endure unrelenting pain that affects every aspect of their lives each day. That’s over 1.5 million women who desperately need support and information to help them understand this chronic condition.

And that is just what Endometriosis UK does... 

Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a woman’s life in a number of ways, including:

• 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

In 2013, at the age of 22, I received a diagnosis of Endometriosis. 

This was following 7 years of suffering with little light being shed on the situation - simply because there is not enough awareness of the condition. Numerous ultrasounds could not identify the cause of the symptoms I was dealing with on a daily basis. However, I was lucky enough to have a consultant involved in my care who knew exactly what was going on - and within two weeks of diagnosis I was preparing to undergo surgery. 

Because endometriosis manifests itself in a variety of ways and shares symptoms with other conditions, diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed.  Recent research shows that there is now an average of 7.5 years between women first seeing a doctor about their symptoms and receiving a firm diagnosis - however, my mum who also suffered from Endometriosis throughout life waited 22 years to be diagnosed.

I have watched as the condition has continuously effected my ability to function, to partake in sport, sometimes to even get up in the morning. With the likelihood of requiring another operation prior to the Great North Run, I have set my targets high as this will be a fantastic achievement for myself in many ways. I will appreciate every ounce of support and every penny donated to what really is a fantastic charity so that women with Endometriosis no longer have to suffer in silence and without the support they need.

*UPDATE*

As many of you are aware, I have not had the best summer health wise and endometriosis has played a massive part in the last few months of hospital trips. I’ve been advised that attempting the Great North Run is not the best thing for me to do physically at this moment in time (not to mention the 3 months out of any training!). 

However, I’m determined to not let people down especially as so many have shown solid support already... so me and the doctors came to a compromise and I CLIMBED BEN NEVIS on the 30th September and again, a personal perspective from a sufferer of endometriosis - I am eternally grateful and massively appreciate every bit of support and awareness raised by this. 

This is was not only a challenge for me physically, but was also a battle against Endometriosis itself. 

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