Endometriosis sufferer crosses Manchester half marathon finish line in honour of UK charity

27-year-old Lauren Agnew crossed the finish line of her fifth half marathon in 2 hours 4 minutes for endometriosis UK.

The Manchester half marathon which began and finished near Old Trafford took place in October. The annual event attracts over 13,000 runners every year with a huge amount of money being raised for their chosen charities. 

Since 2016 Lauren has raised over £2,000 for Endometriosis UK by completing half marathons, and taking part in a charity calendar earlier this year which was filmed by the BBC. 

October marks 10 years since Lauren was diagnosed with Endometriosis. She said: “I like fundraising to help a good cause but with endometriosis it is more about raising awareness than money. Increasing understanding among the general public of just how debilitating Endo can be is really important and is something I am really passionate about.” 

Endometriosis UK support women, just like Lauren, who have been diagnosed with the incurable condition.

After five years of suffering from horrendous periods, chronic pain and sickness, Laurens mum, who also suffered from bad endometriosis, pushed for her daughter to be referred to a gynaecologist. 

In 2008 Lauren underwent a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy to diagnose and remove the visible endometriosis. 

Lauren said: “The surgeon was lovely, but only used ablation to remove the endo he found, as well as removing a massive endometrioma from the entrance to my womb. He unstuck my ovaries and put me on the pill and off I went. Back then I don’t think I ever realised what an impact on my life it would have.”

Endometriosis is an incurable condition, but symptoms are manageable. Lauren’s had two treatments with GnRH analogues and trialled every form of contraception available. 

She said: “For the pain it’s a case of strong opiates – codeine or morphine, and sometimes they don’t even touch it.” 

In 2018 Lauren had a second laparoscopy performed by surgeon Mr Pickersgill who discovered the endometriosis had spread to her bladder, bowel and pelvic cavity.

Lauren said: “Mr Pickersgill is my hero and I cannot thank him enough, without him none of this running would be possible.”

After completing the 13.1-mile race Lauren said: “It was very very soggy, but I really enjoyed it and the atmosphere around the whole course with the other runners and supporters who braved the weather was great.” 

Endometriosis UK attended the half marathon event along with other charities and sponsors to support the runners. 

Lauren, who is a full-time crystallisation scientist said: “Holding down a full-time job with a chronic illness is a lot harder than most realise. For any endo sisters who are trying to get a diagnosis – find someone who knows what they’re talking about. It took me ten years of crippling pain for me to find someone who could actually try and help me.”

Lauren also supported the charity by running the Tatton half marathon in November.

For more information about her fundraising and to donate on her JustGiving page, click here.