When I was 14, I was sent home from school poorly. I had excruciating period cramps and no painkillers to hand. My symptoms got progressively worse over the years that followed, often leaving me bed bound. I was put on the pill at 18 and diagnosed with IBS. I faced a 12-year battle with various GPs and various hormonal contraceptives before I I finally had a diagnostic laparoscopy and ablation treatment in October 2024, aged 29, for endometriosis lesions on my bladder, left nerve plexus and pouch of Douglas. I was also given the hormonal coil to try and prevent it from growing back. I had a flare up two months later, though the pain is thankfully less severe.

Whilst endometriosis is a physically and mentally exhausting disease to live with, taking up running has given me back a bit of control of my body. It allows me to focus on just how strong and capable my body is, and provides an outlet for my emotions. On days my cramps are debilitating and naproxen and codeine don’t work, running provides a temporary distraction from the pain. I’m running the great north run to give myself something to work towards, as I build my strength back up post-surgery, and to raise awareness and money for Endometriosis UK, so that hopefully one day, we have a cure.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. It is a chronic and often debilitating condition that can cause painful periods, painful sex and pelvic pain outside of periods. It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems.

My symptoms have included:

Pain and cramps during and after sex

Bleeding and spotting after sex or after a bowl movement

Erratic, irregular periods often lasting 10 days

Heavy periods

Bloating to the extent I look pregnant

Period pain when not on my period

Chronic fatigue

Recurrent viral infections that coincide with my periods (this is due to the stress on my body)

Frequent urination and the sensation of pressure on my bladder

Debilitating, deep penetrating pain that is not relieved by prescription strength painkillers (I can only describe it as feeling like my organs were being tugged out)

Pain and bleeding from smear tests and gynaecological exams

Back pain

Leg pain

How do your donations help?

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 people assigned female at birth, that's as many as diabetes yet very few people have even heard of it.

The impact can be felt for life and there is no cure.

It takes an average of 8 years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK, that's too long!

Your donations will mean that Endometriosis UK can continue to support those affected by Endometriosis through national support groups, information provision and their helpline as well as continue to campaign for change, fairer treatment and eventually a cure.