A WOMAN from Dorchester will raise money for charity by walking 7.5 kilometres every day for two months.

Alexandra Szathmari, 28 from Poundbury, is fundraising for Endometriosis UK by taking part in 'Walk for Endo'. The challenge involves walking 7.5 kilometres every day throughout July and August, signifying the 7.5 years it takes for an endometriosis sufferer to be diagnosed on average.

Miss Szathmari was diagnosed with endometriosis last year, but she says she has lived with the condition since 2015. She has already had two operations but is expecting to need another one.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is estimated that more than 1.5 million women have endometriosis in the UK, with many being unaware of what it is.

Symptoms of endometriosis include pain in your lower tummy or back, severe period pain and pain during or after sex. It is not clear what causes endometriosis.

Miss Szathmari says she hopes her fundraising will help raise awareness for the condition as well as funds for the charity.

She said: "This cause is very close to my heart as I've been suffering with this condition since 2015. With two operations down and only diagnosed November 2019 officially after four years I am now being referred to the Endometriosis Centre in Poole for further investigations and treatment.

"It's been affecting my day to day life from sitting at work on daily basis, to having several days off, not being able to continue the one activity I enjoy which is teaching my own Strong by Zumba classes which I do with my mother, as some days it flares up so bad my right side goes completely numb and cannot feel my right leg and arm.

"I would like to raise awareness and funds to support the ongoing great things Endometriosis UK are doing to support many other women like myself.

"Our goal is to improve the lives of people affected by endometriosis and work towards a future where it has the least possible impact on those living with the condition."

Miss Szathamri has been doing the daily walks with her mother Henrietta, but will be accompanied by her colleagues from Dorset County Hospital trust's access department on August 7.

To donate head to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alexandra-szathmari