My name is Sophie McCann, I’m 21 years old and from the North East of Scotland. 

I’m walking 180 km for Endometriosis UK this July. This is to support the 1 in 10 with this disease, who wait on average a shocking 8 years to receive a diagnosis in the UK! This is too long. 

Endometriosis UK is a charity close to my heart. In April this year, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis through laparoscopic surgery. Endometriosis is a life-altering disease where tissue similar to that lining the uterus grows outside the uterus. It is considered to be one of the top 20 most painful medical conditions to exist. 

I experienced years of hospital admissions, excruciating pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, nausea, IBS, the list goes on. Whilst I am thankful to finally have a diagnosis and feel my pain is actually validated, there is still a great amount of stigma surrounding this horrible disease. 

There is currently no cure for endometriosis. It is an underfunded, under-researched debilitating disease. As a result, Endometriosis UK is pushing for change. 

The charity relies heavily on donations to support its work which consists of volunteer-led support services including a helpline, web chat and face-to-face support groups, information provision, awareness raising as well as campaigning and lobbying for change and better treatment options.

Please consider supporting my challenge by making a donation. All donations however big or small are greatly appreciated and will support others on their endometriosis journey. 

It was this charity which lead me to believe my symptoms could be due to endometriosis. By raising awareness and decreasing the diagnosis time, those 1.5 million with endometriosis in the UK, those awaiting diagnosis or those experiencing symptoms will no longer have to suffer in silence or let doctors dismiss their pain. 

 It’s time to campaign for change, fairer treatment and eventually a cure for endometriosis.🎗️💛