I have suffered with Lichen Sclerosus since I was in my early 20s. Doctors don't know what causes it, and there is no cure. Due to the lack of research it is often misdiagnosed and mistreated, which means living with chronic pain becomes a way of life. It also comes with an increased risk of vulval cancer.

My story of diagnosis and treatment is unfortunately not unique. Through women slowly speaking out I have learnt how many are expected to suffer in silence, "put up" with symtoms, or concerns brushed aside and labelled as anxiety.

While I can't improve NHS wait times for the conditions around womens health, I can do my bit in providing support and speaking up, which is why I became a trustee of Women's Health Hope.

Women’s Health Hope is an independent charity dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and educating about women’s health issues. Our mission is to shine a light on the unique challenges women face and create a safe space where no one feels alone in their journey. Women’s Health Hope is one of the only charities in the UK dedicated to improving all gynaecological care and supporting women both undiagnosed and diagnosed along their health journey.

The Painathon

Gynaecology wait times have tripled since 2014, leaving 760,000 women waiting in pain. A huge proportion (260,000) are not being seen within the NHS 18 week target time.

For many, it’s well over a year – 365 days of agony and counting. And the wait for diagnosis and surgery is even worse. Women with endometriosis typically wait over 8 years for a diagnosis. They then often wait several more years for surgery, all whilst enduring debilitating pain.

The aim of this Painathon is to raise a symbolic £27k for Women’s Health Hope, to represent 27,000 women currently waiting over a year for an appointment. Sponsor women on the NHS waitlist to raise funds for Women’s Health Hope and help us end medical misogyny.

Let's turn pain into power.

Your donation will help Women’s Health Hope:

• Hold much-needed support groups for women on gynaecological waitlists

• Coordinate with hospitals to improve patient experience

• Advocate for change on a nationwide level