A 1,000km journey to support endometriosis research

After being diagnosed with endometriosis, Emma Gascoigne wanted to help improve understanding of a condition that affects her life and remains poorly understood. Alongside her husband, David Whitley, she turned that determination into a fundraising challenge built around that key number - 1,000.

From personal experience to research

Emma was diagnosed with endometriosis three years ago and underwent surgery in March 2026. After her diagnosis, she began looking for research projects she could take part in. Contributing to research helped her come to terms with the diagnosis, while raising questions for her about why a condition affecting at least one in ten women was, in her words, so underfunded and poorly understood.

She took part in a month-long research project in Australia exploring the relationship between endometriosis and mental health. She later discovered the ENDO1000 Project and began contributing data, but wanted to do more. After telling her manager at Sable Leigh Consultancy (SLC) about the project, they organised a quiz together to support it.

Following the quiz and her surgery, Emma and David wanted to take on something together. Having seen the impact endometriosis had on Emma, David wanted to help raise awareness and encourage more people, including men, to talk openly about the condition and understand it better. Together, they hoped to support research that could make a meaningful difference and ultimately spare more women the pain and suffering caused by endometriosis.

1,000 kilometres, 10 kilometres and 1,000 minutes

On 27 September, Emma and David set off on a challenge designed to reflect the Endo1000 Project. They travelled 1,000km by public transport on a round trip to Marazion in Cornwall, where they took part in a 10km race. Their aim was to complete the round trip in less than 1,000 minutes (a little under 17 hours). 

The idea came together when they looked for a way to connect the challenge to the project’s name. Asking people to donate can be difficult, but the unusual combination of distance, running and time caught people’s interest and helped them raise support.

Opening up conversations

Emma and David have been grateful for the support they received. They were particularly struck by how many people got in touch to share their own experiences of endometriosis. They were glad their fundraising had helped open up conversations about the condition, as well as raising awareness of the research project and its work.

Advice for other fundraisers

Emma and David recommend making it clear on a JustGiving page that people can donate whatever amount they choose and can give anonymously. They recognise that some people may feel uncomfortable donating if they think there is pressure attached, so making the options clear can help people feel at ease.

Support the Endo1000 Project

You can find Emma and David’s fundraising page here:

Donate to the Endo1000 Project