Hello guys! First of all Thank you for taking the time to visit my fundraising page! 

I started fundraising a good few months ago, then I wasn't well at all and felt very unsure as to whether I could do this. I set my page to private and pushed it to the bottom of the pile. 

But I am going to do this. I can and I will.

I am running/hobbeling/dawdling the BRITISH VITALITY 10k  

When?: 10th of July 2016 (MY BIRTHDAY!)

Why? please do take the time to read understand what I am fighting for;

For  those of you lovely people who don't know what Endometriosis is; 

It is where the cells like the ones found in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body.

Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. 

I want to state that this description is how endometriosis is  'commonly' found' the idea is that it gets worse once a month during a woman's period. 

IT IS NOT COMMUNICATED ENOUGH HOW AWFUL IT CAN BE. So I am going to tell you how I suffer;

3 years ago my periods stopped and I haven't had one since. This not so nice period of my life started with a severe kidney infection. After that, well, everything changed. And to be frank, it's fucking shit.

I don't just feel 'a bit of pain during the time of the month'. Jesus I don't even have get to have a 'time of the month' I feel pain ALL DAY EVERY DAY. It is made to sound in the media like endometriosis isn't a big deal. Yes for some women it can be treated, perhaps with a pill or maybe laparoscopic surgery  and so on and yes they may even live the rest of their lives with no further problems. That is fantastic and thank goodness. But what I am trying to say is that for SO MANY women this disease is ruining their lives. 

I'll say this quickly as I know you don't have all day but I have gone from Tramadol to liquid morphine to morphine tablets and now to oxycodone every single day, along with my cocktail of painkillers and supplements to try and keep my bones strong. I have been induced into the menopause which is being used as a long term solution, but it can apparently be reversed. Every month I am injected with ZOLADEX to keep the menopause going. Because it is induced, I get the full whack of side of effects. Which a lot of you who are around my mums age will appreciate! This is not what a girl in her early 20's life should be like. 

This is only a brief blurb about my situation, I have severe muscle spasms in both my pelvis and my back, all caused by endo and the pain it brings. My muscles compensate and now my body is struggling and obviously slowing down. It has taken nearly 3 years to be taken seriously. I have daily anxiety attacks and even trouble completing the most simple of tasks.This is NOTHING compared to some women and this is NOT right.  A lot has happened to me during this time,  a lot that definitely shouldn't have and I want to try my very best to make a difference.

I was always an active person, driven by performing arts and looking forward to a career within the business. My life has been flipped upside down. I recently tried to return to work ( a normal job) Two days and I couldn't cope. It's okay because, eventually, I will get there.

What will happen now? I don't know, but I am in great hands.

John Radcliffe is also a research center and Endometriosis is still somewhat unknown. THERE IS NO CURE.

It is a chronic and debilitating condition that may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems. Around 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with the condition. Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of a childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Every month a woman’s body goes through hormonal changes. Hormones are naturally released which cause the lining of the womb to increase in preparation for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, this lining will break down and bleed – this is then released from the body as a period.  

Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a woman’s life in a number of ways, including:

Chronic pain
Fatigue/lack of energy
Depression/isolation
Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
An inability to conceive
Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments
However, with the right endometriosis treatment, many of these issues can be addressed, and the symptoms of endometriosis made more manageable.

It’s important to remember that:

Endometriosis is not an infection
Endometriosis is not contagious
Endometriosis is not cancer

Here is some information from the Endometriosis UK Website to tell you what they do and how they help women like myself.

We work to improve the lives of people affected by endometriosis and to decrease the impact it has on those with the condition and their families and friends.

We are a source of information and support

Endometriosis UK provides free, reliable information about endometriosis on our website, and through our printed and download materials. Our Support Network provides vital, emotional support and information to those who have endometriosis through our support groups and helpline, enabling them to understand their disease and take control of their condition. You can visit support pages.

We raise awareness

With the help of our volunteers, we raise awareness of endometriosis, and the issues that affect people living with it, among healthcare professionals, people with endometriosis and their families and colleagues, the public and the media. By developing clear policies, Endometriosis UK aims to influence national governments and healthcare providers to achieve the standards of care and treatment that those with endometriosis deserve

We’re a membership organisation

This means that people with endometriosis – or those who are affected by it - are a core part of the work we do.  They direct what we do through our board of trustees, deliver our support services and help define and refine our campaigns and policies. Our members have helped to make our charity the UK’s leading provider of support and information on endometriosis. 

We’re involved in research

We are involved with a number of research projects, helping to shape, deliver and disseminate these and we hope to develop this area. Regular surveys and polls with our members and other stakeholders also contribute to our research activities. We're also working with PhD research to produce quarterly endometriosis research reviews.

This isn't for me, this is for all the women who are desperately looking for answers. who need help and support. 

Please support me on my 10 k run this July 10th 2016, this is also my birthday! so if you were going to send a card, please refrain and instead pop a couple of pounds to this great organisation instead!

This is only a tiny part of my story, please please donate.

Thank You.

Tegan xxx