A charity in Oldham has helped a former Metrolink tram worker who has suffered from endometriosis since she was a teenager.

Siobhan Kennett discovered Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity set up by a GP in Oldham, when it publicised a sponsored walk.

The 32-year-old has endured adhesions to the bladder and near-constant pain since her teenage years, followed by unemployment and isolation for two years, due to the debilitating condition that affects one in 10 women.

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 says connecting with the charity and Dr Anita Sharma was one of the best steps she took in her life and now plans on taking part in the next sponsored stroll, called Walk and Talk Endo in Alexandra Park on Saturday, July 6.

Siobhan said: “I guess you can say it was a brave step turning up at a walk where I didn’t know anybody, but it rates as one of the best days of my life.

“Receiving such a warm welcome and being able to get involved in telling my story in the hope it will help others, is what gets me up in the morning.”

Siobhan is typical of many endo “warriors” whose symptoms have been ignored or dismissed, resulting in years of unnecessary pain.

She added: “My periods were never regular, and I had what we call spotting.

“I needed help, and it was only through my partner James funding private hospital treatment that I discovered I had stage three endometriosis and adhesions to major organs.”

She has also endured a skin condition which doctors previously put down to stress.

Combined with the physical pain, this caused Siobhan to rarely leave her home.

Dr Sharma, who specialises in endometriosis and helps people such as Siobhan in her free time, said:  “It is alarming how many women with endometriosis experience dark thoughts.

“Not being believed and the unremitting pain, leave positive people like Siobhan shattered and in despair.

"We have to offer them hope and find the will to diagnose quicker and properly fund research into this horrendous condition.”

Helping to fulfil those ambitions is now at the top of Siobhan’s agenda as she plans to travel with Dr Sharma to events across the country and champion the charity’s work to a younger audience.

She also aims to create a private group where 'endo warriors' can share their experiences and recognise they are not alone.

As a tribute to James, she is also keen to share endometriosis awareness to all genders, so that they might better understand and offer the kind of life-changing support she got.

She added: “For all that my life has been difficult, particularly during this last couple of years, Endometriosis Awareness North has given me purpose, my partner has shown me true compassion and my community has shown me someone out there cares.

"Now it’s up to me to give something back – I cannot wait to get started."

The Walk and Talk Endo event will launch from The Boat House Cafe in Alexandra Park at 10.30am on Saturday, July 6.

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.