Oldham charity to advise Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis

Guests at a recent fundraiser were the first to hear that the good cause they were backing was on the way to Parliament.

Endometriosis Awareness North has been dispatched to the Commons to enlighten MPs about a hellish condition, which affects one in ten women. 

Endometriosis occurs when cells usually found in the womb adhere to other organs causing agonising pain. The situation is made even worse by medical ignorance, which often means a decade-long wait for a diagnosis. 

This lack of care means half of sufferers have dark thoughts, while many lose their career and aren't able to have a family. 

Hosted by Oldham Women's Health campaigner Dr Anita Sharma and attended by the charity's champion Courtney Ormrod, the event had been pegged as a quiz night and Bingo bonanza. 

But guests in the full house at Rochdale Golf Club, were delighted to hear that the good cause had been selected to attend an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) in October. 

"As if all of these problems were not difficult enough, women in the North face a far longer wait to find out if they have endo, than women in the South" said Dr Anita Sharma, founder of Endometriosis Awareness North.  

"That is down to a dearth of expertise, a lack of resources, and even stigma in some of our BAME communities. These issues can only be solved by decision-makers." 

Much of the groundwork for the APPG was done by Middleton and Heywood MP, Elsie Blundell. She has been amongst the first politicians ever to ask questions in The House about endo. 

The Westminster visit is a far cry from the humble beginnings of Endometriosis Awareness North, at the South Chadderton Health Centre. 

Courtney, who had to shelve a promising career in teaching because of the condition, was one of its founding members and has since spoken at events in front of junior doctors and even Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.   

"Courtney was one of several women with endo who attended our event and sadly their pain was obvious as these young women had walking sticks or were clutching at their stomachs" continued Dr Sharma, "yet all were there to give their testimonies and show why they are called Endo Warriors. They deserve far better. 

"But Oldham has at least given its response and has been immersed in our work since the off. Whether it be pioneering test tube babies or being the first in the world to ensure the homeless were protected during COVID, the borough has a rich tradition of pioneering health projects. 
And here we go again - this time with endometriosis!"

Support Endometriosis Awareness North by visiting https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com