Buildings to be lit up for endometriosis awareness

Campaigners say they hope lighting up landmark buildings will raise awareness of endometriosis.

Hull City Hall, Hull Minster and Bridlington Spa are among the buildings being lit in yellow from 18:30 GMT on Friday to mark Endometriosis Awareness Month.

Hull-based Hey Endo called on local businesses, shops and homes to join in by turning their outdoor lighting yellow.

Helen Brewster from the charity said: "If you have any kind of outdoor lighting that can change colour, we're asking that from the 20th to the 22nd on a night, they can be changed to the colour yellow for endometriosis awareness."

Endometriosis affects about one in 10 women in the UK, according to the charity Endometriosis UK.

It can cause severe pain, mental health problems and, in some cases, infertility.

Brewster was diagnosed with the condition at 17.

"I started my periods when I was nine years old and, ever since, I was struggling with a lot of pain, and a lot of irregularities with them," she said.

"I am 34 this year, so I've been living with endometriosis for a long time.

"It has a really, really negative effect on my social life, my daily life, and it can be really debilitating and hard to handle."

She added: "At worst, the condition can leave people unable to even get out of bed some mornings and cause lot of brain fog and confusion."

A Hull City Council spokesperson said: "We're proud to light Hull City Hall yellow in support of Endometriosis Awareness Month and to stand alongside those living with this condition.

"Raising awareness is so important in helping people recognise symptoms earlier, access support and feel less alone.

"By working with groups like Hey Endo, we can help shine a light on the experiences of those affected and show our support as a city."

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