<div>I'm doing this challenge to highlight the impact of endometriosis on everyday life and to amplify a group that champions women's achievements. 
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<div><strong>My story</strong> 
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<div>Some backstory for you. Until 2023, I'd have considered myself an able bodied person with minimal health concerns but that all changed very dramatically, very quickly. 
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<div>Following 10+ years on medication that was masking what was truly going on inside of me and stopping this opened a can of worms. 
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<div>Within 24hours the pain was unbearable, like nothing I'd experienced before. As a teen I'd always struggled with period pain but drew the conclusion that this was normal and I should get on with it. 
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<div>I did some reading online and quickly found the NHS page for endometriosis. Reading the symptoms I realised I had almost every single one and more. I called my incredibly supportive GP and told him about what I'd been feeling and that I thought it could be endometriosis. His exact words?
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<div> "I think you are absolutely correct, but I'm going to warn you, you've got a tough journey ahead"
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<div>He explained that endometriosis was both highly misunderstood and could only be diagnosed via an operation, as it can only be seen by the naked eye. 
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<div>Endometriosis currently has no cure. 1 in 10 women in the UK have endometriosis and it currently takes an average of 8 years and 10 months to diagnose. 
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<div>In the months that followed, I had all major organs tested for any abnormalities and a referral put in for a gynecology appointment but during all this time waiting, the pain got worse. 
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<div>I started on a mixture of paracetamol and codeine but after that stopped working we switched to a higher dose of codeine, then when that didn't work we went to diadracodience with naproxen for lighter flare ups, when that didn't work we went to nefopan. 
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<div>Boxes and boxes of opiate level medication that leaves you feeling very trippy, dizzy, gives you heart palpitations and even makes your skin go wrinkly temporarily while it takes effect. Whenever I chose to take this medication, I had to take time off work, crawl into bed with a TENS machine and try to rest. 
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<div>The pain I experience during a flare up is like nothing I have ever experienced before. Shooting pains in both legs, a jackhammer to my pelvis, sudden stabbing pains in my back and in a lot of cases, a lot of blood loss. 
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<div>I had stints where I was advised to go to A&amp;E and those were never positive or productive visits as A&amp;E are not equipped to deal with a long term chronic illness. However at that moment in time, I wasn't diagnosed and all my scans and tests were showing as 'normal' where I knew instructively my body was far from it. 
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<div>Some of the ways I was treated while visiting A&amp;E were dismissive, uncaring and unkind. It does little good for me to go into any detail about this now, but the reason is because of a lack of understanding, research and specialist knowledge within the field. 
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<div>I was racking up sick days at work, I wasn't able to do normal things like socialise with friends, paddle or even the basics like cook or clean. 
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<div>Before this all kicked off, I was well integrated in the Wild Women's Outdoors Club (being one of the 4 along with Hayley, Dee and Mel to create Wild Women) and to be holed up inside, not able to be a part of the action, was beyond frustrating.
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<div>I had to take action and I was in a privileged position to be able to drain savings and opt for a private operation to try to get diagnosed and if so, get the endometriosis removed.
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<div>In January 2024 I was diagnosed with endometriosis, suspected adenomyosis with both fallopian tubes entirely blocked with no movement in one and minimal in the other. Because of its location, it was unfortunately not possible to get it removed. Instead during the operation lots of photos were taken and many tests were ran. 
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<div>Fast forward to today and unfortunately not much has changed, but there are positives. Now I have a diagnosis, I have much more leverage when it comes to medical appointments, where before I was dismissed or even on occasion accused of lying, I have the photos and documentation to show clearly what's going on. 
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<div>Also in May 2025 I received an infusion treatment which is being trialed on patients with endometriosis. Thankfully, for me it was successful and I had 5 weeks pain free for the first time in 3 years (frustratingly, the wait between treatments is 10-12+ months a go, so not a completely viable way forwards). 
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<div>I have only seen a gynecologist through the NHS twice since my initial referral in 2023 and am still awaiting my third appointment. There has been speak of another operation but I have no timescale as to when this might be.
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<div>In the meantime, I'm not letting this take over, I'm carrying on and I'm back on the water when I'm able, with my fellow paddlers in my safe space. 
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<div><strong>Why I've decided to climb a few mountains </strong>
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<div>Why on earth would I try to climb 3 mountains?! Three reasons (one for each mountain)
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<div>1. To spread awareness and raise funds for research and action into finding a cure for endometriosis 
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<div>2. To raise funds for the Wild Women's Outdoors Club at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, the space which has been my sanctuary, the women who have supported me and to amplify their stories too of showing continual resilience 
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<div>3. Just out of pure defiance for my legs and hips that have caused so much grief to me, they're not the boss of me! 
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<div>This will be immensely challenging for me, because of what I experience, I get fatigued quickly and experience chronic pain but I'm convinced this can't be something that stops me doing awesome things like paddling with my mates or climbing mountains. 
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<div><strong>Your donations have a real and tangible impact</strong>
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<div>Any and all donations are appreciated, I will be completing the challenge on the first weekend of May 2026. Your donation will be split, 50/50 between Endometriosis UK, the UK’s leading charity for all those affected by endometriosis, determined to ensure that everyone gets prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support. 
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<div>Half of your donation will go towards Wild Women's Outdoors Club at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre. Wild Women aims to inspire and empower women in Leicestershire through outdoor activities in a stimulating and safe environment and to act as a safe space for women to express who they are, discover new skills, build confidence, friendships and community. 
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<div>This isn't easy for me to share and in a lot of ways, I'd rather keep it to myself but it's so important that we do speak out and while I know there's not a straightforward cure or solution, one thing I can do is speak about my experience and advocate for change. 
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<div>By taking on this challenge, I'm taking back the control and am hoping to raise awareness, yes of endometriosis but also to amplify the stories of incredible women. Thank you for reading and I promise to update you as this progresses.
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James Woodford

Charlotte Pochin-Hawkes

Katie Lenton

Caroline Young

Bernice Foster

Anonymous

Amy Cipriano

Claire Lambert

Helen White

mandy thomas

Leanne Read

Andrew Parker

Anna McAuley

Alex Rigby

Anne O'Shea

Vivien Law

Elaine Axon

3 Peak Challenge: Abbie's Wild Climb for Endo

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