A retired fireman from Oldham has been praised for backing his daughter's campaign as she fights to raise awareness about the condition that has affected her life.

Courtney Ormrod, from Chadderton, is the ambassador for the Oldham-based charity, Endometriosis Awareness North.

The 24-year-old has become an inspirational speaker who regularly lectures senior medics about women’s health and fundraises for the cause.

Courtney said her father, Paul Ormrod, a retired fireman who uses his time to raise awareness of his daughter's illness, has been a huge support and a shoulder to lean on.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

She said: “If it hadn’t been for the encouragement around me, then the future could have looked very bleak indeed."

Paul has accompanied Courtney throughout her journey of "relentless" physical pain, mental health torment and career disappointment. 

The young woman said she is now using Father's Day to celebrate his contribution and to call on all dads to follow his example to help bridge the gap between male and female healthcare.

Another Oldham dad, Tony Bowker, has joined the cause after his daughter, Lucy, faced similar struggles in her fight for a diagnosis.

Lucy, who is a nurse, has endured "umpteen" hospital procedures, including a haemorrhage and hospital infections, though miraculously has been able to give birth.

Lucy said: “Endometriosis is a largely female condition, and it is good that the men in my life have shown such understanding.

"Now all blokes need to do that for women experiencing everything from the menopause to miscarriage and mental health crises.”

Oldham GP and the charity's founder, Dr Anita Sharma, said the problem lies in the fact that the pandemic and squeezed NHS resources have resulted in a backlog of health problems - and claims sexism still plays a part at GP level.

The doctor said: “BAME women in particular tell me that their health worries are not taken seriously enough, and some have become so disillusioned with the wait for treatment they are seeking it abroad.

“I do not want to take a broad stroke and say all men are to blame for this but understanding across all genders and backgrounds is what we need if we truly want health equality.”

Dr Sharma believes men can help by reading up about female conditions, speaking candidly with their partner or daughter about issues like pelvic pain or menstrual bleeding and advocate on their behalf, such as Paul and Tony. 

Courtney continued: “At my many visits to A&E with agonising pain, male doctors said that I was too young to have endometriosis and to take some paracetamol for my back pain.

"But it was dad who insisted they not dismiss me.”

Support then came from Dr Sharma, who is also an author and women's health expert.

“There are some excellently informed and compassionate male GPs but successive surveys have shown a lack of knowledge when it comes to endometriosis.

"Whatever the gender of the doctor, or health decision-maker, they need to address some of the inequalities women currently face.

"And that is another thing that our fabulous fathers could help us with – joining their sisters in campaigning for more resources, properly funded research and accessible healthcare for everyone", the GP added.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.