Amy and Hannah, Hannah and Amy- whichever way round you put it, you have the names of two of the least athletic people that you know.

But DESPITE THIS we are running the London 10k for Endometriosis UK.

Endometriosis is a condition which affects 1 in 10 people who menstruate, with Amy being one of those. In brief, it causes cells similar to those which would usually come out monthly as a period to grow outside of the womb, acting like a glue which lines and sticks together pelvic and other organs. This causes chronic pelvic pain which is worse around menstruation, bloating, pain during sex, problems with fertility, painful bowel and bladder movements, to name but a few symptoms.

The only reliable way to diagnose and treat endo, at the moment, is via a laparoscopy, where surgeons use keyhole surgery to inflate your abdomen and either burn off or excise any endometrioal tissue that they find. Amy has had three of these operations in the past five years. For her, they have involved hormone treatments (feel free to enquire about the mini-pause!), overnight hospital stays, weeks off work and dreaded catheters. AND THAT IS WHY WE ARE RUNNING.

Did you know that the average diagnosis time is 8 years? For Amy, it took 13 years of constant doctors visits before they stopped telling her it was “normal period pain”.

Did you know that there is no direct treatment for Endometriosis? Current treatment options include painkillers and generic contraceptives.

Did you know that there is still no scientific understanding of what causes endometriosis? Women’s conditions are historically under-researched and under-funded.

Please help us change all of that. Anything you can give is greatly, greatly appreciated ❤️❤️