Early last year, my incredible partner was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (also known as POI). Watching her face this life-altering diagnosis with strength, resilience, and unwavering courage has been nothing short of inspiring. Through her, I’ve learned just how overlooked and under-supported women’s health, especially reproductive health, can be in this country and around the world.

This is why I’m running the Manchester Marathon 2025 for her, and for the many women like her.

Here’s what I’ve come to understand through her journey:

1. Women are not being heard. Time and again, women are told their pain is ‘normal’ or ‘in their head’. Serious symptoms are dismissed or downplayed, leading to devastating delays in diagnosis and treatment.

2. There is a glaring gap in women’s healthcare. Funding, research, and support for female specific conditions are shockingly limited compared to even minor male conditions. It’s a form of discrimination that continues to leave women behind.

3. The consequences are real and life changing. My partner has fought the healthcare system for answers from the age of 17, enduring years of debilitating symptoms in silence. It took 15 years for her to finally get a diagnosis, but only after her health hit rock bottom… She is one of the strongest people I know.

So whilst running a marathon may seem tough, it’s nothing compared to what so many women endure daily, often without recognition or support. This run is for them. I’m dedicating every mile and every donation to my partner, to the amazing women supported by Daisy Network, and to all those still searching for answers.

Thank you for helping me raise awareness and funds for a cause that deserves so much more attention. Let’s keep pushing for change because without women, none of us would be here!

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https://www.daisynetwork.org/

Daisy Network is dedicated to providing information, support, and community for women diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). We are the only UK charity solely focused on POI, offering medical and psychological support while advancing research into treatments and causes.

Our mission is to:

– Provide a safe and supportive network for women affected by POI.

– Enable members to share their personal experiences and information.

– Offer up-to-date resources on treatments, including HRT and assisted conception.

– Raise awareness among GPs, the broader medical community, and the public.

– Educate businesses on the impact of POI in the workplace.

– Support and further research into POI treatments and causes.

Founded in 1995 by a group of women under the guidance of Dr. Gerry Conway, Daisy Network has grown from a small support group into a registered charity (since 1999), run entirely by volunteers. We are proud to be recommended by the NHS and remain committed to supporting our community and improving awareness and care for those with POI.

Daisy Network was created to provide support to women, along with their families and partners, who have been diagnosed with POI. We understand that this diagnosis can feel incredibly isolating and often women are left confused and unsure where to go next.

Daisy Network provides our members with information and the latest research findings on various aspects of POI including:

– Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and other treatment options

– Managing the longer term health implications such as bone and cardiovascular health, nutrition, and the psychological impact