In April 2019 I was diagnosed with endometriosis after a 3.5 year uphill battle with my body, doctors and medication. While getting a diagnosis is only the first step towards relief, it takes far too long to get one, on average 7.5 years. At the moment endometriosis is only diagnosed by surgery and, unfortunately, not all surgeons are trained in knowing exactly how to spot this enigmatic disease, which is why after my first surgery in 2017 I was wrongly told I had a healthy looking uterus and no endometriosis. 

The chronic pain endometriosis causes has changed my life in many ways and the journey to diagnosis caused a whole bunch of new problems itself. You can read more about my diagnosis story on this guest article I wrote for Hysterical Women (https://hystericalwomen.co.uk/2019/06/05/vindicated-by-proving-that-its-not-all-in-my-head-the-journey-to-an-endometriosis-diagnosis/) or on my blog (https://fictitiouslyhilary.com). 

This summer, to raise money for Endometriosis UK I am going to take part in the charity's Walk For Endo by doing eight 7.5km walks throughout the months of July and August. If and when endometriosis stops me walking, as it often does, my friends and family will walk on my behalf.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.