A WOMAN suffering from a chronic and debilitating condition will be putting her best foot forward to tackle a mountain climb for a cause close to her heart.

Deborah Hayes, of Stourport, will be walking up Mount Snowdon for a charity that supported her during her 15-year battle with endometriosis, an illness which affects one in 10 women.

The condition, in which small pieces of the womb lining are found outside the womb, often left Ms Hayes unable to stand, walk or even put her socks on.

The 45-year-old credits Endometriosis UK for getting her through the difficult times.

Ms Hayes is now hoping to raise £500 for the charity after undergoing major surgery.

Following the operation four months ago, Ms Hayes wants to give something back to the charity.

“I’ve had major surgery and now that I’m well I feel that I need to give something back,” explained Ms Hayes.

“I’ve had days when I couldn’t get out of bed, I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t stand. It took me 10 years to get diagnosed.

“I was living like an 80-year-old. My social life suffered and I lost weight through it. I had to go on hormone treatment and I was having to have injections in my stomach. It’s a horrible, debilitating illness.”

Ms Hayes will be climbing the horseshoe route of the Welsh mountain on Saturday, May 3 and has already raised almost £300.

“I’m doing it to support the charity that supported me and for the people I met through the society who can’t do it because they’re too ill,” she said.

“I had major surgery four months ago and I feel like I have my life back. I can now do things like put my socks on and get out of the bath.

“I’m out running, which I thought I would never be able to do.”

People can sponsor Ms Hayes online by going to justgiving.com/ Deborah-Hayes1