Diagnosed with endometriosis at 21, after having symptoms from age 10 and going to countless medical appointments, Emma faces challenges across every part of her life: “It affects everything – work, social life, relationships, family.”
Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disease that occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the area and can affect other organs such as the bladder and bowel. It is considered a hidden disability.
Chronic pain has kept Emma from keeping a job. She’s had 11 surgeries, the most recent was to have her colon removed due to complications. She says: “Planning a holiday was filled with fear – I would think, ‘what if I get sick or have a blockage in my stoma while I’m away?’”
Travelling with ease
The Motability Scheme has been life-changing for Emma, from Wrexham, North Wales. Her Mini Cooper, fondly named Marilyn (after Marilyn Monroe) supports her independence, and the heated seats make longer trips comfortable, too, encouraging her to travel the UK and see family.
This year, Emma is planning a road trip around Ireland to visit relatives, with her husband and 10-year-old “miracle child” Belle. “We have family all over Ireland, so every year or so, we take a road trip to see everyone. We just take the ferry and drive from place to place, exploring as we go. It's a wonderful experience, and we always look forward to it.”
Freedom and independence
Closer to home, Emma uses her car for school and dance class – runs for Belle. “It's great to be able to carry all Belle's gear. I can just toss everything in and go – it’s wonderful having that freedom.”
After her recent colon surgery kept her from driving for six weeks, Emma realised just how vital her car is. “The freedom and independence from driving is something you don’t appreciate until it's gone.”
Emma loves to use her car for fun family traditions, like picking up their annual Christmas tree. “Every year, we get a real Christmas tree, and it’s always a comedy trying to fit it into the car! It feels like a scene from Only Fools And Horses, with us squeezing in this massive tree.
“Our daughter absolutely loves it - it's these little moments that make the holidays so special.”
Creating awareness
It's Endometriosis Awareness Month in March and Emma is encouraging us all to talk about endometriosis.
"It’s very much about using your voice really and just posting as much as you can on social media. It's also about raising awareness in your local area and speaking to as many people as possible, which will hopefully have a domino effect, and many more people will become aware of endometriosis."
To create awareness in the past, Emma did a pin-up shoot for Endometriosis UK’s calendar in 2019 and helped to raise £3,265.65.
“I've always loved the pin-up era. It was nice dressing up because when you have endometriosis, you don't feel feminine every day - you're in so much pain.”
This effort led her to write a piece for Glamour magazine and attracted attention from the BBC. “I was thrilled that endometriosis was getting more visibility. We need to keep raising our voices as there's still a lot of work to be done.”
