In a powerful collaboration, Fold7 and the charity Women’s Health Hope are launching the Painathon on April 26–27, aligning with the London Marathon. This fundraising campaign seeks to draw attention to the harrowing statistics surrounding the lack of access to timely care for women’s health. With 27,000 women waiting over a year to see a gynaecologist, and more than 260,000 women waiting beyond the NHS's 18-week target to see a specialist, this initiative shines a light on the urgent need for reform.

The Painathon campaign draws a striking parallel between the marathon's grueling 26 miles and the prolonged waiting periods endured by women suffering from chronic pain. These women are in a seemingly never-ending race, facing physical and emotional challenges, but without a finish line in sight.

Addressing the gender health gap: a silent crisis

The gender health gap in the UK is the widest among the G20 nations, placing the country in 12th place globally for women’s health. The situation in gynaecology is especially dire, with waiting lists for care having tripled since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This issue now affects a staggering 760,000 women. These women face conditions ranging from endometriosis to other chronic health problems exacerbated by delayed treatments, leaving them in pain and often without the care they desperately need.

This profound gap in healthcare services for women highlights the need for greater advocacy and immediate action. By launching the Painathon, Fold7 and Women’s Health Hope aim to raise not only awareness but also much-needed funds to support and advocate for women suffering in silence.

A personal story that inspired a powerful campaign

The Painathon campaign is not just about statistics. It is deeply personal, driven by the lived experiences of the creatives involved. Philippa Baines, one of the campaign’s creatives, was inspired by her own struggles with chronic health conditions. The campaign’s design is a reflection of her personal experience, as well as the experiences of many women facing long waits for essential healthcare.

The powerful imagery in the campaign features real women who suffer from chronic pain, wearing race bibs not with marathon numbers but with their own actual NHS wait times. These visuals, taken along the marathon route, make a poignant statement: while the marathon represents an ultimate test of endurance, so too is the physical and emotional toll faced by women on waiting lists for care.

The goal: £27k for women in limbo

The campaign’s goal is to raise £27,000, symbolising the 27,000 women who are currently in year-long limbo, waiting to see a gynaecologist. The funds raised will go directly to Women’s Health Hope, an organisation dedicated to supporting women through advocacy, education, and providing the necessary resources for those affected by delays in healthcare.

This funding will help drive significant change and will be a vital step toward providing support for women who have been ignored and neglected by the healthcare system for too long. The Painathon is not just about raising money—it is about raising voices and creating a movement that will push for a more equitable healthcare system for women.

A collaborative effort: women supporting women

The campaign features inspiring women who have been directly affected by gynaecological health issues, including endometriosis. Evie Lapworth, a trustee of Women’s Health Hope, and Nathalie Meagan-Blake, a passionate advocate for women’s health, are featured in the campaign’s photography. Both women have struggled with conditions worsened by delayed care, and they are using their experiences to amplify the voices of others in similar situations.

Award-winning photographer Georgie Wileman, herself living with severe endometriosis, captured the images for the campaign. Wileman’s personal connection to the cause adds another layer of depth to the campaign, making the images not only powerful but emotionally resonant.

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