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Skydive
Leigh Boland explains her reasons for jumping out of a perfectly good plane!
 As a Mum, and a relative of someone who suffers with endometriosis, I have felt so useless. My daughter was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis in January of 2008, after suffering and begging for help with her periods for over 12 years.
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She was palmed off as having irritable bowel syndrome and left to cope with her escalating symptoms. In December of 2007 she was rushed in to hospital in an enormous amount of pain. After many tests a doctor mentioned he thought it could be endometriosis - this was the first time the endo word had ever been mentioned to us. After seeing a specialist and having a laparoscopy, the full extent of her condition was revealed. The damage to her bowel and bladder was extensive and after several surgeries last year she still lives with a great deal of pain. Although I have been by her side throughout to support her, it has been horrendous watching her go through this. The surgeries and preparation for surgeries were the worst, but she faced them all with an inspiring bravery and positivity. So I decided I needed to do something to help. There was nothing constructive I could do for her except offer unconditional support and I felt I had to make a larger contribution. A sponsored skydive for Endometriosis UK was the perfect option - since hitting the menopause I have become somewhat of a dare devil!
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Leigh with her daughter Laura
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It was a great day out for us. We took a packed lunch and sat outside in the sunshine watching other people do their jumps before it was my turn. The skydive company were so lovely and welcoming and I didn't feel nervous at any point. People were asking questions about my Endometriosis UK t-shirt throughout the day and I took great pleasure in raising awareness for the condition with anyone who would listen to me. My daughter came along to watch her Mum jump and she was very proud of me. I have also recently taken part in a sponsored bag pack in Asda on behalf of Endometriosis UK and will be looking at more ways to raise money and awareness.
Incredibly, my daughter has shocked her specialist and us by getting pregnant. She is almost six months now and I am so excited about being a grandmother. 
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