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Why I got my knickers on for Endometriosis UK!

When I first saw them, I thought “What in the world are you doing, climbing hills in them?” as Carol (the Treasurer) wafted the knickers in my face. Then I heard some of the other trustees were doing it too! Had they gone bonkers?

But being a big fan of pink, the knickers soon grew on me! Feeling very inspired from the Training Weekend and Information Day, I wondered what I could do on a local level to raise awareness. Then I thought: why don’t I go to work in them? Based at an IP law firm, this was a risky!

I chose a day during Awareness Week and set about recruiting some helpers! Some of the girls were not really forthcoming to begin with, but when they saw the knickers, they all went mad for them!

So on Friday 12th March 2010, myself and four other girls turned up to work in pink knickers and Endo UK T-shirts. We added some finishing touches (see photos) and five others joined us wearing the T-shirts. Thankfully the pink dye eventually came out of my hair the next day!

I had been raising awareness all week, passing out leaflets and talking to people about endo; surely Friday was just a bit of fun? We went for lunch in Manchester and certainly attracted a lot of attention! After work we went out around town. We had a complete ball explaining to people why we were wearing pink knickers and the day was a complete success. We raised nearly £400 on the day. I am so proud of everyone involved, thank you for making it such a success!

Helen Brooke; Melanie Ross; Kimberley Axford; Adele Robson; Lisa Worthington; Olivia Harrison; Ruth Murfin; Julie Harrop; Anita O'Neill, Rachel Nugent.

What initially started out as a bit of laugh actually turned into quite an event for me on a personal level. Talking to people about the condition, giving out information and advice, actually made me think about the incredible journey I have had with endo myself. I have struggled not just physically, but mentally, spiritually and emotionally too. At one point, not long after diagnosis when I was only 22, I tried to end my own life. I have also had issues with self-harm too which I have found very difficult to overcome. I have had hormone treatments for the endo, surgery and also practice meditation and yoga, all of which have contributed to me becoming the healthy, happy person I am today. I also work on the helpline which, although sometimes challenging, is extremely rewarding!

I thank God every day for blessing me with my beautiful son and for getting me through some very difficult times. Coping with endo has given me so much strength and determination that otherwise I wouldn’t have had and has given me so much passion to do everything in my power to achieve a cure for this disease.

One thing that Awareness Week did teach me was that I am not ashamed anymore to have endo and I am already thinking about what challenges I can do next year!