FOLLOWING a difficult experience receiving a diagnosis, teacher Katie Jackson has launched Wrexham's first-ever support group for endometriosis as well as tackling a unique fundraising challenge.
For over ten-years, Katie has struggled with extreme fatigue, excruciating menstrual pain and bowel issues.
After constantly being told her symptoms were purely stress-related or it was simply a 'bad period' the 25-year-old was left feeling unmotivated after multiple GP and hospital appointments.
She finally received her diagnosis of PCOS and Endometriosis in July 2023 following a laparoscopy surgery which inspired her to launch a support group.
Katie has since made it her mission to raise as much awareness for The Endometriosis Foundation as possible, inspiring her 'Welsh 3 Peak Challenge' which she completed over the May bank holiday weekend.
On May 4 Katie and her team climbed Pen Y Fan followed by Cadair Idris and then Snowdon. Completed within 48-hours and raising over £1,360, she feels overwhelmed by the support she has received.
See Katie's GoFundMe page here.
She said: "Endometriosis has affected my life in many ways, and I have had to make many sacrifices. I decided I wanted to do something to try and take some power back but also raise awareness.
"Taking on the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge is more than just climbing mountains for me; it's proving how strong and empowered I can be despite dealing with this challenging condition.
"It's a big metaphor for facing the ups and downs of life with this condition, and each step symbolises the strength that each woman and individual faces when battling a chronic illness.
"I'm dedicating this climb to raising awareness and funds for The Endometriosis Foundation."
The cause of endometriosis is unknown, and there is currently no cure.
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Katie aims to raise awareness as she strongly believes Endometriosis can cause enormous suffering but remains understudied, under-funded, under-diagnosed, and often misunderstood.
"Training for this challenge has not been easy. It's been really hard and exhausting. Having endometriosis is like being on a constant rollercoaster you can't get off and toy don't know what turn or drop is coming next", Katie adds.
"I'm doing this challenge for all the women who are fighting this battle. We must empower each other. Your pain is not normal. The way we are dismissed is not acceptable."
The Endometriosis Foundation believes that everyone should have access to accurate, transparent, and trustworthy information, especially when it comes to making decisions about their bodies.
Following the challenge, Katie plans to make another successful 'meet-up' for her Endometriosis UK Wrexham support group with all details to be shared on the Facebook group.
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