Amy's 1 in 10 Challenge!

Amy James-Kelly is raising money for Endometriosis UK
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Amy's 10k trek to #EndoTheStigma! · 31 March 2021

1 in 10 Challenge
Campaign by Endometriosis UK (RCN 1035810)
Take on a 1 in 10 Challenge to help Endometriosis UK support the 1 in 10 with endometriosis and #EndoTheStigma

Story

Hello there!

Thank you so much for taking a gander at this here fundraising page in aid of Endometriosis UK.

I'm Amy, I'm a Mancunian actress and I am one of around 1.5 MILLION people in the UK with the inflammatory, gynaecological, chronic illness Endometriosis.

"Whassat?"

I'm glad you asked, dear reader:
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb (the endometrium) grows in other areas of the body and behaves in the same way, ie, building up and breaking down each month. But unlike a normal period, this abnormal tissue has nowhere to go and the organs and other tissue it grows on/in aren't meant to be treated this way - so it causes scarring and cysts to form. It can even, due to the continuous wounding and healing process, stick organs/tissue together (adhesions).

Symptoms of this disease include but are not limited to:

- Extremely painful periods
- Painful ovulation
- Pain when using bowel/bladder
- Poor mental health 
- Infertility/difficulty getting pregnant

There is no known cause OR cure, it can only truly be diagnosed via surgery (laparoscopy - but can be suggested via scans) and it takes on average 8 years to diagnose, often because the patient is told their symptoms are normal, over exaggerated or if they are referred to a specialist they're just put on harsh painkillers/contraception without ever getting to the bottom of it.

For 8 years, most of these people are considered dramatic by employers and healthcare professionals alike and the psychological & social impact of this disease can therefore be devastating. And believe it or not, that often doesn't change much even after diagnosis because the affected part of your body is deemed taboo and women are told to just deal with extreme pain as part of normal life.

But it's not normal: Endo UK and I are trying to raise awareness of this fact and teach people what is normal and that asking for help should be met with understanding and support.

This disease is actually just as common as Diabetes, but it's incredibly under-researched because it is, as I said before, often considered taboo. However, it is the reality for around 1 in 10 people with a uterus. 

I am 1 in 10.

More info can be found at the website of the wonderful charity I am an ambassador for:

www.endometriosis-uk.org 

"So... what ya doin?"

During March, which is Endo Awareness Month, I'll be present on my Instagram ( @amyjames_kelly  ) everyday hoping to #EndoTheStigma. I'll be taking part in/creating numerous events/activities throughout the month and they will mostly follow the theme of 1 in 10, ie, the 10K walk I'm going to do on 31st to bring the month to a triumphant close.

Keep your eyes peeled here or over at my insta for updates and ways to get involved - it's for everyone - men, women, parents of uterus owners or just general supporters of the cause! I've even got some familiar faces helping me out, so stay tuned...

Your donation would support people like me living with this incurable disease - Endo UK offer so much, from a volunteer-run helpline all the way to going straight to the heart of the government to ensure better training for healthcare professionals and better education for young people about their bodies. They want to slash the diagnosis time in half (at LEAST) and they want to ensure patients are supported psychologically as part of their turbulent journey.

I don't know where I'd be without them.

Thank you so much.

And now, a note from JustGiving:

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.



Donation summary

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£1,000.14
Online
£1,000.14
Offline
£0.00

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