Chairman in chains for endometriosis fundraiser

Hospital chairman David Prior will be kidnapped and ransomed for a day all in aid of a high altitude African fundraiser for a painful and debilitating gynaecological condition that affects 2 million women in the UK.

Cheryl Barker, 26, is a receptionist in the Urology department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and suffers from the painful condition endometriosis. She's aiming to raise £2500 for the National Endometriosis Society by walking to the summit of Africa's highest mountain (5,895m or 19,340 ft), Kilimanjaro. And as part of her fundraising efforts, Cheryl will be holding David Prior ransom for a day and staff will be invited to dig deep for his release. The ransom will take place on 3rd February.

David Prior said: “Cheryl's challenge to climb Kilimanjaro is a tough one, particularly when she has a painful condition like endometriosis and I admire her determination. When she asked me if I would be held to ransom for such a good cause I was only to pleased to be able to help. Whether anyone will pay any ransom money is another matter. I will be coughing up £20.”

Cheryl , of Bowthorpe, said: “I'll be tackling Kilimanjaro at the end of February and I am keen to raise more than £2500. I see conquering this mountain as one way of trying to conquest the dreadful side effects of this illness and I cannot wait to see the view from the Uhuru peak.”

Media contact: Andrew Stronach on 01603 287200 or andrew.stronach@nnuh.nhs.uk

Notes for Editors

Endometriosis (pronounced end-oh-mee- tree-oh-sis) is a condition where the cells that are normally found lining the uterus are also found in other areas of the body but usually within the pelvis. Each month this tissue outside of the uterus, under normal hormonal control, is built up and then breaks down and bleeds in the same way as the lining of the uterus. This internal bleeding into the pelvis, unlike a period, has no way of leaving the body. This leads to inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue. Endometrial tissue can also be found in the ovary where it can form cysts, called 'chocolate' cysts.

For more information www.endo.org.uk