I am taking on a 1in10 Challenge to raise vital funds for Endometriosis UK by walking/running 10km (majority walking!!!) on the 31st March - the last day of Endometriosis Action Month.

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. It is a chronic and often debilitating condition that can cause painful periods and pelvic pain outside of periods. It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems. 

On 4th January 2022 I had surgery to remove suspected Endometriosis from my body. Although I had already been diagnosed with the condition through internal ultrasounds from sonographers in Bangkok and London, until you have a laparoscopy, doctors can’t see exactly how much or how little Endometriosis there is in the body. 

During surgery, my consultant found superficial endometriosis on both ovaries, womb, bladder, pouch of douglas and pelvic side walls. In total they excised 23cmx12cm of tissue from my body to which some had effectively ‘glued’ organs together. They also had to perform another procedure to release pressure from both my ureters as the Endo tissue had also blocked those too. All of this doesn’t include the other parts they were able to zap away. 

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth yet very few people have even heard of it.The impact can be felt for life and there is no cure which unfortunately means I may need further surgery in the future too. 

In the UK it takes an average of 8 years to get a diagnosis of Endometriosis (which was over 10 years for me) and that’s just too long! 

Donations mean that Endometriosis UK can continue to support those affected by Endometriosis through national support groups, information provision and their helpline as well as continue to campaign for change, fairer treatment and eventually a cure. 

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, I am so overwhelmed with the love and support you have shown me 💛