March means it’s Endometriosis Awareness/Action Month. Last year, I was able to raise £840 for 2 incredible endometriosis organisations by running 100km during the month, and this year I’m hoping to smash last years total 💪

So this big man is once again going to attempt to run/walk/crawl 100km over the month to raise as much money as possible for two organisations doing incredibly important work for endometriosis patients and both are very close to my heart. The first is the Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales, who campaign for all women, trans men and non binary/gender non-confirming patients in Wales to be able access optimal healthcare. The second is The Barbados Association of Endometriosis and PCOS who “seek to provide support to women in Barbados who have been diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS and other debilitating pelvic conditions (such as uterine fibroids and adenomyosis).” Being of Bajan descent, I wanted to be able to support the fight against endometriosis in the global south.

I just want to remind everyone why I’m doing this. Endometriosis is an unforgiving disease that unfortunately I have gotten to know very well. Endometriosis [pronounced en-doh- meet-ree-o-sis] is a chronic condition where tissue that is similiar (but histologically different) to the lining of the womb grows throughout the body. It is a spectrum disease with a variety of subtypes and symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, infertility, development of endometriomas (“chocolate cysts”), fibrosis, formation of adhesions (fibrous bands of dense tissue), bladder, bowel + other organ dysfunction, and much more.

My soulmate, Harriet has had 4 surgeries and is facing a fourth, shes had multiple cysts, she has interstitial cystitis and polycystic ovaries and has tried every hormonal medication under the sun. Her organs have been left stuck together. She had to leave a job that she loved and where she was love because she was so good at it. She has had to postpone starting her masters. Despite all that she has gone through and continues to go through, Harriet always strives to help others. One of the many things she does is run an instagram account @APainInThePelvis where she raises awareness not only of endometriosis but also ableism, medical inequality and disability justice. She is studying her Masters in Social & Public Policy so that she can help others. Once again I want to show Harriet and all endo patients that I have their back, so I’m going to put myself through this because awareness and action is needed.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, please share and donate if you are able! 💛