Campaigners will be heading to Millbank, Westminster, to raise awareness of endometriosis on Saturday March 24.
The Worldwide EndoMarch 2018 campaign is a global initiative and the London march will coincide with over 50 countries around the world who will be marching on the same day.
Endometriosis is a debilitating condition where womb like tissue is found in other parts of the body causing severe pain, heavy periods and in some cases infertility.
Now in its fifth year, participants in the march will walk 2.5km through London in support of women who suffer from the condition, calling for more funding into research, education, faster diagnosis and further treatments.
Event organiser, Helen McLaughlin said: “[The march] is a great day out and we have guest speakers.
“It is an isolating condition but meeting other people that have got it, you don’t have to really explain yourself. It is a relief to talk to people who understand what you are going through.”
Statistics provided by Endometriosis UK
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women in the UK and 200 million women worldwide, with the average diagnosis taking seven-and-a-half years.
Accountant Helen is also leader of the London team support group at Endometriosis UK, and was formally diagnosed with the condition in 2011.
Her periods became severely painful and she experienced symptoms of bloating, leg pain and fatigue.
She said: “Walking up and down the stairs was tricky and I had to wear loose clothing all the time.”
In 2014, she fainted at Liverpool Street Station and had to be taken to hospital.
Studies have also linked Endometriosis with mental health illnesses like anxiety and depression.
Helen hopes that the march will raise the profile of endometriosis and assist in getting the funding for research and treatment for the condition.
She said: “Endometrosis won’t kill you but will make you suicidal.
“Attending the march is a great way to get the word out there, raise awareness, meet others and get support.”
The number of people taking part in the march have grown each year, with 500 people registered to take part this month.
Organisers are asking all participants to wear yellow in support of the cause.
More information on London’s Worldwide EndoMarch 2018 can be found on the group’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook page.
