HEALTH retailer Holland & Barrett – which has a store in Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre – has launched a campaign to raise awareness of endometriosis.

The debilitating condition affects 1.5 million women in the UK, but research has revealed that many 'suffer in silence' and diagnosis takes an average of eight years.

Endometriosis sees tissue similar to the lining of the womb grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The Holland & Barrett women’s wellness business, Parla, has launched an e-learning programme to 'demystify' the condition.

And Carla Cressy, founder of the Endometriosis Foundation, is backing awareness-raising efforts.

Her own story about living with the condition is being highlighted through displays in Holland & Barrett shop windows.

"I am grateful to be able to share my story and I really hope it encourages others to talk about their experiences and to know they’re not alone," she says.

"Like many people, I had never heard of endometriosis before being diagnosed, and didn’t know where to turn for guidance and support which is why I set up the foundation. There are lots of lifestyle changes people can make to help manage symptoms in a healthy and holistic way."