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January 2023 Issue
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Going the distance for endometriosis

Covering 650km in eight days, Harriet Watson has upped the ante in her fundraising efforts for Endometriosis New Zealand (ENZ).

The 22-year-old raised $4305 for the charity in 2020 by kayaking 100km in a day.

This time, she is aiming to raise $10,000 while running and biking along the South Island’s West  Coast from Farewell Spit to Ross,  on December 2–9.

Watson was running the Heaphy Track, Old Ghost Road and Paparoa Track as part of the fundraiser.

“This project scares the living daylights out of me, but that is exactly what motivates me,” she said.

“I want other sufferers to receive support from ENZ and have an  Endo Help appointment like I did.”

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects one in 10 women in New Zealand.

After years of painful periods, Watson called the ENZ helpline in 2019 and was diagnosed with endometriosis shortly after.

She hopes to raise awareness of the condition so other women reach out for help.