Over the recent Christmas period, I went through an experience that I never imagined – an ectopic pregnancy. This is when a pregnancy develops outside the womb, and in my case, it became lodged in one of my fallopian tubes. I had no idea I was pregnant, and I knew very little about this condition.

While travelling in Europe with my partner, I was rushed into emergency surgery due to internal bleeding. The operation resulted in the removal of my left fallopian tube. The hospital staff in Belgium were incredibly kind and efficient, and both my partner and I are deeply grateful for the care I received.

Waking up after surgery in a foreign country, I was told that if I had waited any longer, my tube could have ruptured – and I might not have survived. Just two days earlier, I had visited a GP in the UK and was reassured it was simply my period. Sadly, many ectopic pregnancies go undetected or untreated, leading to devastating outcomes, including fatalities, because of delayed recognition.

To raise awareness and help educate others, I am running 100K in February and hosting a showcase with Theatre Train Ipswich, where I am the Dance Choreographer, in support of the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust. I am 1 in 80 women who experience this.

Any donations or shares would mean so much – not just to me, but to the countless women who need to know how urgent it is to seek help. Please, listen to your body.