An Ashford mum is helping to improve the support network for those suffering from what she describes as one of the 'loneliest diseases'.

Endometriosis - which causes tissue found in the lining of the womb to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes - affects one in 10 women across the UK.

Painkillers, hormone medicines and surgery to cut away patches of endometriosis tissue can help manage the illness, but it can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms and make it difficult for women to get pregnant.

Joanne Kerr, 30, who lives with her husband and three-year-old daughter in Kingsnorth, has set up a support group on Facebook for Endometriosis sufferers in East Kent.

The agency nurse said: "I set it up to help support as many women as possible.

"I was searching to see if I could find any local groups on Facebook but there wasn't, so I thought I would give it a go and set up my own. It has done really well so far.

"I've been told I have Stage 4 Endometriosis and it is spreading. My husband and I were going to try for another child, but we haven't been able to.

More than 170 people have joined the group since it launched earlier this month.

"It's not normal to have to take time off of work, school or university because of a period," the 30-year-old added.

"A period does hurt, but usually paracetamol and ibuprofen can normally ease the pain. Endometriosis causes fainting and vomiting from the pain.

"Women can be diagnosed during their mid-teens or into their 30s and 40s.

"People say its hereditary but no one in my family has had it. It could be lying dormant and could spread at any time

"When you feel it isn't normal that's when you should see your GP."

Currently, the closest support groups run by leading charity Endometriosis UK are outside of the county in Sussex, Surrey, London and Essex.

Mrs Kerr - who shares honest and open accounts on her online blog and Instagram account - hopes to set up a face-to-face support group, which would be the first in the county.

"There are no support groups in Kent and I am trying to get some set up in this area. I want to get people together where we can meet face-to-face.

"It can be one of the most loneliest diseases because it is not spoken about as it is quite personal."

Click here to join the online support group.

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