Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Imagine if over half the UK population faced the same life-changing health condition. And yet it was still misunderstood and under-supported?
More than 33 million women in the UK will experience menopause. It can affect every part of someone’s life – their body, mind, job, and even social life. And for some, the symptoms are devastating.
My name is Helen and last year I made a decision to take on a challenge that had been in the back of my head for almost 10 years, to walk the Thames Path.
The original plan was to walk the length of the National Trails Thames Path. However, when I started looking into the route, I discovered that a new path had been opened in 2022 running from the Thames Barrier in Woolwich out to Grain in Kent.
Now a lot of people would think the Thames Path was enough, but the voice in my head said ‘If you’re doing all of that, it would be a shame not to finish it’. So I'm planning to include the extra section, going from 'Source to Sea'. Total path length, 232 miles (374km). Target to complete, 8 days.
If you’re going to take on a challenge, you may as well go for it!
And then, if you're going to do crazy things, you can raise some money, and support a good cause while you're doing it. I decided I wanted to complete this challenge before I turn 50 and so it seems right to pick something relevant to being a busy mid life woman.
My first personal experience with menopause was calling my GP about an issue and being told 'it's probably perimenopause, it's not a medical issue, you just have to get on with it'.
As I've looked into menopause more, and talked to people around me, it feels like it's a common struggle with health providers, but it really shouldn't be. For The Menopause Charity, one of their aims is to get everyone the support they need.
The quotes above from their website show the issues that women face. They aim to provide trusted information, share real stories, and support people to make the choices that are right for them.
The Menopause Charity is for all women and other individuals experiencing menopause, as well as their employers, partners, families, friends, and the health professionals supporting them.
This isn't an organised event. This is a challenge I want to do and I'm taking on all the planning and coordination and doing my best to make it happen.
If you would be willing to sponsor me, I would be very very grateful. If you would be interested in joining me to walk part of the path, or to get involved in any other way, please contact me at: helen@thamespathmenopauseconversation.co.uk
Thank you.