Kelsey Bright Takes on 1,600km Walk from Scotland to England to Raise $50,000 for Endometriosis Australia
South Australian Kelsey Bright is walking the entire length of the UK — from the northern tip of Scotland to the southern coast of England — a journey of 1,600 kilometres to raise $50,000 for Endometriosis Australia and shine a light on a disease that affects 1 in 7 women, girls, and those assigned female at birth.
For Kelsey, this walk is personal. Endometriosis has impacted multiple generations of women in her family — including her grandmother, who first experienced symptoms at age 11, and Kelsey herself, who was diagnosed as a teenager.
“When I’m having a tough day, it still feels unfair. Endometriosis robs so many women of their quality of life. This walk is my way of fighting back — for myself, my family, and the 1 million Australians living with this disease,” says Kelsey.
“My Granny recollects symptoms from the time she first got her period at age 11 and growing up in the 1950s this meant regular fainting in the classroom, frequent nausea and a constant pain she describes as a “pulling and dragging”. This persisted into adulthood and the messaging from the doctors transformed from “it’s all in your head” to “I think your husband must be sleeping around”, insinuating that she was suffering from a sexually transmitted disease and there was nothing that could be done.”
Kelsey’s symptoms began at 16, when she started experiencing pelvic pain. It was the start a long road of learning to live with chronic pain and fatigue. A year after first developing symptoms, she was diagnosed with endometriosis.
Getting a diagnosis of endometriosis takes time. It can take an average of about 6.5 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis is to have a laparoscopy with a tissue sample.
“I was lucky to be diagnosed early because my family believed me. But far too many people aren’t listened to or supported. We need more awareness, compassion, and funding for research so no one suffers in silence,” she says.
Kelsey’s challenge will be documented online to raise awareness of what living with endometriosis truly means, while inspiring others to see what’s possible despite chronic illness.
Her journey is a family effort, with her partner Ollie and parents traveling alongside her. The walk’s hand-painted logo — featuring a sunflower, the international symbol of hope for endometriosis — reflects the perseverance of women who show up every day despite debilitating symptoms.
Endometriosis Australia’s General Manager, Natalie Rupil, praised Kelsey’s efforts:
“Kelsey’s incredible 1,600km journey is not only raising vital funds but also amplifying the voices of the endometriosis community. We are so proud of passionate fundraisers like Kelsey who turn their personal challenges into powerful action. Our community fundraisers play a crucial role in helping us fund research, raise awareness, and support those living with this condition.”
Kelsey’s challenge will be documented online to raise awareness of what living with endometriosis truly means, while inspiring others to see what’s possible despite chronic illness.
Follow & Donate
Kelsey’s journey can be followed on Instagram at www.instagram.com/end.to.end.for.endometriosis, and donations can be made via www.endoaustraliafundraiser.org.au/kelsey-bright
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