Finding support in the outdoors
Nicky, who lives in Edinburgh, was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2012. After realising the benefits that being outdoors could have on her mental and physical health, Nicky set up a hiking group called Endo-MEET-riosis, hoping to help bring together and support other women suffering with the condition. In May 2023, she hosted her first event, 12 women joined her for a hike at Walla Crag in the Lake District.
This was a big step out of my comfort zone; I didn’t know if anyone was going to want to come, if they would enjoy it or find it beneficial. But the day was wonderful. One of the things I’ve loved to see is the friendships and support networks that some of the women have nurtured since coming along, arranging their own meetups and hikes with those who they’ve met at the events
Living with a long-term condition can feel very lonely. Nicky wanted to create an environment where other women with endometriosis could connect and benefit from being outdoors. This March, Nicky was joined by 20 women at her event in Edale in the Peak District, each equipped with a Firepot meal. She will run another three events this year across the UK.
Essentially, I just don’t want anyone to feel alone. My condition has led to some very difficult times in my life, and I sometimes wonder whether, if I’d had access to a group of women who really understood what I was going through, that parts of my life could have gone differently. Hearing some of the experiences that these women have had breaks my heart, and I’m in awe of every one of them.
Follow Nicky’s adventures on Instagram - @nicky.walks
