This January, I am raising money for the Winter Walk for Endometriosis by completing a 10k walk, representing the 1 in 10 women affected by this condition. For me, each kilometre also symbolises a year I have spent waiting for a diagnosis — a decade of unexplained pain, appointments, tests and being dismissed.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of it, causing severe pain, inflammation, fatigue and other debilitating symptoms and diagnosis often takes years due to a lack of awareness and understanding.

While finally having a diagnosis brings validation, it is also difficult to accept living with this lifelong condition. By raising money for Endometriosis UK, I hope to support vital research, education and advocacy so pain is taken seriously and others receive answers sooner.

Thank you for supporting this cause.