Our story:
Get to know our founder
Carla helped to bring endometriosis into the wider conversation
Our story
The Endometriosis Foundation was set up by Carla Cressy, whose personal journey with the condition began at just 13 years old.
Despite experiencing debilitating symptoms and coming under the care of gynaecologists at age 15, Carla's pain was repeatedly dismissed and misdiagnosed. She was told she had incurable gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, lazy bowel syndrome, and dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
It wasn’t until she was 25, after undergoing an unnecessary appendectomy and a life-saving emergency laparotomy (open surgery) while septic and critically unwell, that Carla finally received a diagnosis of endometriosis.
Shockingly, this came just six months after a diagnostic procedure had indicated only minimal disease, despite her escalating pain and symptoms. By then, the damage was extensive. At just 29, Carla was left unable to carry children and required a hysterectomy, bladder reconstruction surgery, and an ileostomy (stoma).
Carla's story featured on the highstreet in support with Holland & Barrett and Parla. Showing our ongoing commitment to getting people talking. Photographed in March, 2023.
Carla's experience is far from unique.
Despite affecting millions worldwide, the condition remains widely misunderstood, with many facing challenges in accessing proper care and support.
In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 10 females will be diagnosed with endometriosis. However, some believe the true figure may be higher, possibly due to the long wait for diagnosis, which currently averages an astonishing 8 years and 10 months.
These challenges only fuelled Carla's determination to make a difference. She set up online support groups that now connects thousands of people. She launched educational talks in schools where she went on to lead a national campaign to push for earlier diagnosis and greater awareness, helping to bring endometriosis into the wider conversation.
Pictured: Carla and Queen Camilla, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom, together at Buckingham Palace. Photographed in March, 2024.
Carla pictured alongside Shadow Secretary, Victoria Atkins & influencer, Stef Williams during a round table discussion held at number 10 Downing Street. Photographed in September, 2023.
Her dedication caught the attention of her local MP
The late Sir David Amess, and Carla joined together a they founded The Endometriosis Foundation. Their partnership led to the establishment of the Endometriosis All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), officially registered in 2018, a pivotal step toward reshaping policy and increasing public awareness of the condition. Today, Carla contributes to the development of national health guidelines and actively lobbies policymakers and key organisations to improve endometriosis care.
It's with thanks to the support of the late Sir David Amess, who personally appealed Carla’s case to the NHS, she was fortunate to preserve her fertility through egg freezing before undergoing major surgery. This experience has helped shape one of the charity’s key campaign focuses 'Our Fertility Matters', improving access to fertility preservation treatment for those whose ability to have children may be compromised by endometriosis. The charity continues to push for change, ensuring that fertility preservation is recognised as an essential part of care for those facing the long-term impacts of this condition.
The Endometriosis Foundation relies on the generosity of donations. If you found this page helpful please consider making a donation or fundraise for us.
Carla pictured alongside our dedicated medical board members and ambassadors during the launch of our 'Our Fertility Matter's campaign held at Westminster, Houses of Parliament. Photographed in February, 2024.
Carla pictured alongside members and supporters at our official charity launch event held in Westminster, Houses of Parliament in March, 2023.
Our medical board, ambassadors, and guests pictured during our annual campaign launch event held at Westminster, Houses of Parliament. Photographed in March, 2025.
Carla pictured alongside members and supporters during the first official Endometriosis All Party Parliamentary Group members meeting held in Westminster, Houses of Parliament in March, 2018.