My (not so uncommon) story: 

Last year, after being bed-bound and having my work life seriously affected, I knew something was seriously up. 

I’d had period pains before, but this was different… 

After months of being turned away by doctors and surgeons, told to take ibuprofen, and use a heat pad (which at the time seemed laughable), I spoke with a specialist. It’s safe to say that was the first conversation I had where I felt I was being truly heard (I cried). He  held up a piece of paper and said "we don't usually do operations unless we have to, but in your case *holds up sheet of A4* this is a no-brainer". 

After my laparoscopy and a tough recovery, I have not experienced pain once, and it has truly, COMPLETELY, changed my life. 

I'm proud to say I've made it out of after a few hellish years with this disease. But for most people, it takes an average of 8 years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK - which is far too long! 

In July, I'm running the London Asics 10K to raise funds to help women get diagnosed sooner, by influencing national governments and healthcare providers to achieve the standards of care and treatment that people with endometriosis deserve. 

What is it?

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, painful sex and pelvic pain outside of periods. It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth, that's as many as diabetes yet very few people have even heard of it.The impact can be felt for life and there is no cure.

How will your donations help?

Your donations aim to transform the way endometriosis is diagnosed and dealt with across the UK. It will 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!