Oldham dad to open up about daughter Courtney's endometriosis
Date published: 28 February 2023
Courtney Ormrod pictured with her father, Paul
Pelvic pain matters and the families of endometriosis patients and those with the debilitating condition need better physical and mental health support NOW.
That is the message an Oldham conference will hear – as patients, academics and even The Mayor gather to continue the borough’s battle against ignorance around a blight affecting one in ten women of childbearing age at a conference in Oldham next month.
Plus, founder of charity Endometriosis Awareness North Dr Anita Sharma will urge decision makers to do more to promote the condition’s human cost in medical school education, for general and family practitioners and for schoolteachers and parents.
“What is unique about this event is it will give you the whole gamut of problems endometriosis creates and what YOU can do to solve them,” said Dr Sharma.
“Patients will speak about a loss of career opportunities, the mental battle required to make people believe you are actually in pain, and the fortitude needed to endure years of appointments before finally getting a diagnosis.
"Even members of the Greater Manchester Police will attend to tell us what they hope forces across the country can do to support colleagues with the condition.”
Oldham has become one of the most vocal communities in the country on endometriosis – largely thanks to the charity’s ambassador, Courtney Ormrod.
Her tale of how endo resulted in the loss of a teaching career and her being confined to a wheelchair will be told again, although this time she will be backed by her father, Paul Ormrod.
“The impact on families is often forgotten” continued Dr Sharma, “and to watch a loved one in physical and mental pain is so distressing.
"I also expect Courtney’s case to move guests – it never loses its impact because it comes straight from her heart.”
That emotion will also be felt when nurse Lucy Bowker regales her tale of living with endometriosis, whilst working within a sometimes-sceptical NHS.
The 24-year-old overcame near constant bleeding to eventually give birth.
Mayor of Oldham Councillor Elaine Garry, plus endometriosis specialist Consultant Andrew Pickersgill, and Head of the School of Health Sciences at Manchester University Professor Kay Marshall, make up an impressive array of speakers.
Courtney concluded: “It has been the fulfilment of a dream to see the Endometriosis Awareness North charity come into being in Oldham and us begin to raise awareness of this all-consuming condition.
"But we are at the beginning of that campaign, and I hope that as many people can join us as possible so that we can begin to make life a little easier for those with endometriosis and their families.”
The Endometriosis Awareness North event takes place at the Civic Centre Council Chamber in Oldham on Saturday, March 25, from 10am.
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