Inspired by Marilyn Monroe, women who’ve all battled painful condition
-
By Lucy Laing
POSING in a 50s-style diner, their smiles mask 12 stories of agony and heartbreak.
For these calendar girls all suffer from the painful womb condition endometriosis. Some have faced surgery, others have been told they may never have children.
They joined forces to raise awareness of the disorder. Inspired by Marilyn Monroe, who was a sufferer, they posed in an American diner.
Emma Tully, 32, who put the calendar together, said: ‘We wanted it to have a 1950s feel. We’ve had women message us to say that they have had the strength to go to the doctors with the condition now that they have seen our calendar. The awareness has been phenomenal.’
Endometriosis, the second most common gynaecological condition, affects 1.5million women in the UK. It occurs when tissue similar to womb lining grows in the wrong place.
The calendar has so far raised nearly £4,000 for the charity Endometriosis UK. Copies can be purchased at www. endometriosis-uk.org.
VICCI HANKE, 28, from Dudley. Symptoms at 13.Says: ‘I’m in daily pain but it won’t beat me’ EMMA TULLY, 32, from Wrexham. Developed the condition at ten. Despite nine operations she had daughter Annabelle, four. ‘I feel so lucky,’ she said
KATIE AWDAS, 33, teacher from Bury. Had seven operations but still hopes to have a child.
LAURA WAITE, 31, Biggleswade. Has suffered symptoms since first period at the age of nine
KELLY NEWBOLD, 34, from Manchester, suffered symptoms after having son Taylor, now 14
LAURA McKENDRICK, 25, a nurse from Northampton. Took years to be correctly diagnosed
BECKI JONES, 26, teacher from Wrexham. Diagnosed in 2016 but now four months pregnant
LAUREN AGNEW, 27, scientist from Macclesfield. Diagnosed ten years ago. Runs half-marathons
KACEY-LEE LARCOMBE, 24, from Cardiff. Diagnosed at 21. Has daughter Maisie, 5 months
FAY HARRISON, 30, of Lytham, Lancashire. Started suffering at 12, not diagnosed until 24
IMOGEN HOLLINSHEAD, 21, from Blackpool. Daughter was stillborn. Now expecting a son
SUSIE LYDIATE, 36, teacher from Chester. Mother of two but also suffered two miscarriages