It takes an average of 8 years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis and that's too long! We are walking over 8km in one day in solidarity with those on the journey to diagnosis and beyond.

22 years ago, we met at secondary school. Since then, we’ve shared laughter, friendship, drinks, questionable decisions, even worse hair styles, and – sadly – endometriosis. On the 4th September 2021, we are walking 12.6km from Brighton (our hometown) to Lewes, to raise awareness and to support all those that endometriosis has affected. We have chosen to walk this route as the ‘Juggs Way’ is a footpath created by women, as they walked with their wares from Brighton to the market at Lewes.

We have chosen to raise money for Endometriosis UK as they provide vital services, reliable information, community building, and support to people suffering from endometriosis – and that is 1 in 10 women! They are financed almost entirely through donations and member support. Their work is also vital to campaigning for further research into this incurable disease, reducing diagnostic times, and for patients to receive better treatment.

Read our stories below:

Ruby was first diagnosed in September 2020 after experiencing excruciating periods, pain in the left side of her abdomen and secondary infertility. After a diagnostic laparoscopy, a stage 4 diagnosis was confirmed with a large cyst and deep infiltrating endometriosis affecting the ovaries, uterus and bowel. Such a diagnosis came as a huge shock. Ruby has had to learn about how to live with a chronic condition and has recently undergone a second surgery to clip one of her fallopian tubes. She is hoping to undergo IVF but will have to have further surgery on her bowel in the future. Luckily Ruby was diagnosed quickly, but there is currently little awareness about such a common condition. Ruby has had to quickly learn about the physical and mental impact it can have on her body. 

Libby/Lizzie is lucky to no longer (currently) suffer from endometriosis, as she underwent a hysterectomy at 28 to treat a combination of endometriosis and adenomyosis. She is walking in solidarity with those who continue to suffer from this cruel disease and in hope for better treatment options in the future so that young women will not have to undertake drastic surgery or live in pain. You can read a full account of her Endo journey here: https://theendotheworld.com/2017/03/16/boom-shake-the-womb/

Sally was first diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis in 2008 at the age of 21 after many years of excruciating period pain. Since then, she has undergone 3 laparoscopies to remove cysts and adhesions. Sally has been lucky enough that these 3 surgeries have eased her pain, but sadly have left her dealing with infertility. During initial fertility tests, it has now been found that the endometriosis has led to one of her ovaries attaching itself to the wall of her uterus. Sally is hoping (after long NHS waiting times) that she will get the fertility treatment that she needs. This may involve another laparoscopy to have the best possible chance to get pregnant.

Thank you for your support,

Sally, Ruby and Libby x