Shop worker's charity walk to support family

A Tavistock shop worker is still seeking sponsors after completing a 20-mile sponsored walk towards research into a condition which has badly affected a number of women in her family.

Cheryl Dencer completed her Dartmoor walk from Postbridge to Ivybridge on Saturday, September 5 in aid of the charity Endometriosis UK. The condition restricts the life of her sister, mum, grandmother and great-grandmother and has even resulted in the need for surgery.

Cheryl has not yet suffered from endometriosis but might do in the future. Some research suggests it can be passed to a new generation through the genes of family members. Some families may be more susceptible to the condition, but the causes are unclear.

This doubt is why Endometriosis UK is funding research and Cheryl raising funds for the charity, completing her walk with an unexpected extra two miles on top of her planned 18 miles to make the most of the scenery on a bright sunny day. The charity also supports women seeking treatment by advising them on an individual basis.

Cheryl, who works for women’s fashion shop Lottie Loves on Duke Street, said: “It was a tough walk with one very steep climb and lots of hills in between.

“It was a very warm day to be walking with a rucksack on the hills of Dartmoor. But I had support with my partner Chris and his niece Keily walking with me and keeping me going. I must admit near the end it was a case of just putting one foot after another. But I was also pushed onwards by thinking what a good cause it was, especially with some of the women in my family badly affected by endometriosis. And of course I don’t know if I’ll be affected later also.

“There’s no cure, so that’s why it’s important that I support the charity because it’s funding research into causes and cures through donations from people like me.”

Endometriosis varies in symptoms from person to person. Cheryl’s mum Christine had a hysterectomy in her late thirties and her sister Kirsty, of Grenofen, in her mid thirties. The condition has affected Kirsty’s lungs and bones and limits how much she can exercise. Her aunt, her mum’s sister, had no symptoms from endometriosis until she was 50.

Cheryl had a lovely surprise when she was met at the end of her walk by her mum and dad Ian Ladbrook, of Tavistock: “It was so unexpected and quite moving to see them there and made my achievement extra special,” she said.

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, causing inflammation, pain and scar tissue. Symptoms vary from person to person, some may have severe and debilitating symptoms, others may have no symptoms at all.

Donations are welcome at Cheryl Dencer’s JustGiving page link: https://shorturl.at/f2ZQN