Meet Our Team

Headshot image of Jodie Hughes

Dr. Jodie Hughes, Afn, Bsc (Hons), MSc, PhD

Founder & Research Consultant

Endometriosis care research PhD Graduate and Visiting Lecturer in Public Health at Roehampton University, HeyGirls Ambassador

Jodie is the founder of Endometriosis South Coast and Research Consultant.

She has almost finished PhD at University of Roehampton London, that is researching the differences in care of Endometriosis patients.

Jodie was diagnosed with Endometriosis at the age of 29 after struggling with heavy, painful periods since the age of 11. Whilst she was so young, she was told by her doctors and family that it was just the way that women in the family suffered and it was just something to get on with and put on the contraceptive pill.

It wasn’t until Jodie had her son (after multiple miscarriages) and her symptoms returned worse than they were before she was put on the pill that she sought the help of a new doctor and the word Endometriosis was mentioned, that any of the symptoms made sense. The fatigue was crippling (later diagnosed with M.E/CFS too) and the bleeding and pain were unbelievable. Many made her feel like she was absolutely crazy. The new doctor made a referral to the BSGE-accredited centre at QA Hospital in Portsmouth where she met Dr Guyer who really listened to what she had to say for the very first time. He agreed that from the symptoms that were presenting laparoscopic surgery was needed to confirm a diagnosis. During this surgery, Jodie was diagnosed with Superficial Endometriosis (symptoms do not correlate with diagnostic wording). Unfortunately, the operation only had Jodie pain-free for 2 months, so the Prostap injection was used to put Jodie into the medical menopause which worked so fantastically that she decided to have a hysterectomy at the age of 32. “This was possibly one of the best decisions I had ever made, I still has a monthly “cycle” due to becoming super aware of how her body works, and still has some pain and bleeding. But I now have more of a life than ever before”

Because of this journey Jodie lost her career as a chef and decided to apply for uni (with no GCSEs) she got accepted and completed her Health and Nutrition Bachelor’s degree with honours after writing a dissertation on stress levels of women in Portsmouth with Endometriosis. She then went on to complete her Health Sciences Master’s degree with a first-class pass after writing her dissertation on the same topic as her undergrad degree but on almost a thousand women across the globe.

Finally, Jodie has started a research PhD that is investigating the relationship between endometriosis care and various factors that may affect it.

“It is truly disheartening to know that so many people are suffering due to the lack of education surrounding a disease that affects so many”

Michaela Saunders-Hall

Chair of Trustees Endometriosis South Coast

After battling endometriosis and adenomyosis myself, I’m proud to serve as Chair of Trustees for Endometriosis South Coast—a charity close to my heart. My lived experience fuels my commitment to ensuring that others facing similar challenges have somewhere to turn for support, compassion, and community.

With over a decade of experience in visitor operations and business management at a large heritage NGO, I hope to bring strategic insight and operational expertise to the charity. I’m passionate about driving awareness and education around women’s health, and I believe that even the smallest act of support can make a meaningful difference.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me outdoors, usually exploring the New Forest with my dog, Humphrey—my loyal walking companion and source of joy.

Katie Duffield

Trustee Secretary, Endometriosis South Coast

Katie is the Trustee Secretary for Endo South West a role she is proud to hold given her personal connection to the cause. As a child, she witnessed her mother struggle with the effects of endometriosis—an experience she has come to understand more fully as an adult. She is passionate about supporting a charity that provides information, advocacy, and compassion to families facing similar challenges, helping them find the understanding and support that was so often unavailable in the past.

Katie has served in the RAF for nearly 10 years and has background in governance and risk management. She lives with her husband near London and enjoys doing a lot of exercise to counteract the quantity of cheese and chocolate she eats.

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Sally Wason

Treasurer, Endometriosis South Coast

Client Manager in Accountancy

Sally is deeply committed to Endometriosis South Coast’s mission of advocating for change in endometriosis diagnosis and treatments as the Charity grows to reach a wider catchment. She believes strongly in the importance of giving back to the community using her 7 years’ experience of working in various roles within the accountancy industry to contribute to the board of trustees. Sally’s day job is that of a client manager at an Accountancy practice in Chichester, West Sussex.
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Bethany Wells

Person Led HR Trustee, Endometriosis South Coast

Business Graduate

I am an advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) with a background in HR and ED&I. Leveraging my expertise, I contribute valuable insights to EDI discussions, staying current with the latest news and legal developments. Beyond mere advocacy, I am dedicated to fostering inclusive environments, drawing on my understanding of HR and ED&I dynamics. I am committed to adapting strategies to the evolving landscape of EDI in Endometriosis South Coast, aiming to create workplaces and communities everywhere, where everyone feels valued and included and their whole selves.

Donna Wadsley

Project Management Trustee Endometriosis South Coast

Hi, I’m Donna, one of the newly appointed trustees for Endometriosis South Coast.

My background is in senior leadership roles, managing big teams, complex projects, and generally bringing order to chaos (with only mild caffeine dependency). These days, I split my time between the UK and sunny Spain, loving life and enjoying every day but still very much wanting to do something meaningful.

Women’s health is something I care deeply about, and when I came across the trustee role, it felt like the right fit. Then I met Jodie, and honestly, I was sold; instantly likeable, full of passion, and the kind of person you just want to be around. I knew this was a cause (and a team) I wanted to be part of.

I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and using the skills I’ve built over the years to support the charity’s growth and impact.

Cara Atkinson

Funding and Fundraising Trustee Endometriosis South Coast

Cara is proud to join Endometriosis South Coast as Funding and Fundraising Trustee. Cara has worked in the charity sector since leaving university, in a variety of roles encompassing project management, partnership development, and fundraising. Having been diagnosed with Endometriosis in 2018, following years of pain and fruitless GP visits, Cara is passionate about improving life for people living with the condition. She has contributed to academic studies by sitting on Public and Patient Involvement panels and is excited to now be able to use her skills to strengthen and diversify Endometriosis South Coast’s income streams.

Laura Hough

PR and Communications Specialist Trustee Endometriosis South Coast

Laura is a journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry and has spent the past nine years working in various roles on cruise ships, most recently as a Media and Marketing Manager. With a strong background in storytelling, communication, and audience engagement, Laura is passionate about using her skills to support causes that matter. She is volunteering with Endo South Coast to help expand the charity’s outreach and to champion the ongoing work and research into endometriosis.

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Beth Prescott BSc (Hons), MSc

Volunteer and Support Group Trustee

Coaching Psychology Graduate

Endometriosis South Coast is a charity which is close to my heart. I have struggled with endometriosis symptoms since I was about 12, and although my symptoms were not problematic until I was 17, I was still not diagnosed till I was 22 years old, after 2 surgeries, umpteen tests & scans, numerous referrals, being pushed from pillar to post, being told my pain was all in my head due to my mental health challenges. When I was diagnosed I didn’t receive any information on the condition, I felt completely alone, and I searched the internet which just bombarded me with scary information. But thanks to Endo South Coast, their trustees & the support groups, I am now armed with knowledge and strength, and I can dismiss the myths and misinformation that we now know is outdated. I have made some life-long friends through this charity & their support group. Not only have they supported me through my Endo journey, they have also supported me through so much more and I couldn’t be more grateful to them for everything they do, without them I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Without the support of this charity, I would have never felt able to embark on the journey to university, conduct my own endo research, complete an undergrad degree in psychology & begin a master’s degree, in coaching psychology, which I strive to use as building blocks to further support others on their own journeys!

It means the world to me to be able to give back, and I am so grateful to be part of the team, advocating and running support groups for our community, giving others the love, support, empowerment and education that got me to where I am today, and I cannot wait to see what the future brings for us all!

Olivia Smith

Volunteer Events Co-Ordinator

Olivia gives her time to help people who genuinely need resources and to put on events for our beneficiaries.

She is a very keen coffee enthusiast.

Florence Deakin

Fundraising and Events Team

Hi I’m Floss and I’m a Fundraising and Events volunteer at Endometriosis South Coast. As someone living with endometriosis, I am so excited to be a part of an incredible community. I’m looking forward to helping to support people living with endometriosis and adenomyosis and to spread awareness.

Jade Marsh

Fundraising and Events Team

I started having issues with extremely painful periods at the age of 11 and was just dismissed as an over dramatic pre-teen, this followed me up until I was 30 years old when I was finally taken seriously, had a laparoscopy and I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. 
I was so lost as I hadn’t heard of it till that point, I had nowhere to turn to and no idea what I was dealing with. So i started to do research, found a community online and have learnt to share my experiences with others too. It felt so good to finally be heard and have others that understood the physical and mental impact Endometriosis can have! 
Now I want to help other women that are waiting to be or have been diagnosed with Endometriosis and Volunteering with Endometriosis South Coast allows me to do just that, it’s an amazing cause, an amazing charity and I’m so glad I’m able to be on board to help! 

Amy Eyers

Volunteer Safeguarding Lead

Amy is an experienced safeguarding professional with over 15 years of leadership across children’s social care. She is a qualified social worker and currently works as a Child Protection Chair and Quality Assurance Lead, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and families.

Amy is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels heard and protected. She brings a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to safeguarding and is committed to promoting anti-discriminatory practice across all areas of her work.

Outside of her professional role, Amy is proud to support Endometriosis South Coast as Safeguarding Lead, helping the organisation embed safe practice and supporting volunteers and participants alike.

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Penny Chamberlain BSc, MRes

Resource Manager, Endometriosis South Coast

Researcher and Data Analyst

As a dedicated advocate for positive change, Penny brings to Endometriosis South Coast a background in research and data analysis with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biomedical Science and a Master of Research (MRes) in Reproductive Science and Women’s Health. As a researcher, Penny contributes her analytical skills to the board, striving for evidence-based strategies that consider the diverse needs within the endometriosis and adenomyosis community.

Hoda Javdani

Marketing and Communications Manager, Endometriosis South Coast

Jornalist

Hoda spent nearly a decade working as a journalist in Iran, focusing on women’s issues and gender equality. Having witnessed firsthand the widespread ignorance around women’s health, she developed a deep commitment to raising awareness and helping women improve their lives.

With a master’s degree in English literature, words have always been her closest companions, and she loves telling the stories of ordinary people with real experiences. She has also worked for over five years as a content marketing specialist and multimedia content creator, and hopes to use those skills to support the marketing team and help Endometriosis South Coast’s important work reach more people.

Lizzie Downhill

Volunteer Creative Designer and Social Media Account Manager

I have been in the design industry for over 6 years since leaving university. I love my job and all things creative so wanted to take my skills and apply them where they can make a difference. I am always looking to grow, extend my network and keep my creative mind buzzing. I saw this advert and knew I wanted to apply. Whilst I haven’t been affected by Endometriosis, I am passion about sharing the facts and looking forward to learning and hopefully making a difference.

Jessica DeLord

Volunteer Content Creator

I chose to volunteer at endometriosis south coast because I wanted to have a place where I felt understood in experiencing the life changing illness that is Endometriosis. I wanted the opportunity to share and explore my creativity through assisting in their marketing as well as educating myself on the charity in the process.

Anna Chui

Volunteer Content Creator

Anna Chui is a content creator volunteer at Endometriosis South Coast. With a strong background in content strategy, particularly in personal development, Anna draws from her own battles with endometriosis to educate and inspire others. Her journey, marked by painful symptoms and recent surgery, fuelled her passion for raising awareness about the condition. Committed to the belief that knowledge profoundly influences health and lifestyle choices, Anna aspires to empower those facing similar challenges, providing both information and support.

Carla Mulholland

Tik Tok Content Creator  

Hi, I’m Carla, a second-year Creative Media Technologies student at the University of Portsmouth. I’m passionate about using creativity to make a difference, which is why I’m excited to volunteer as a TikTok Content Creator for Endometriosis South Coast. One of my university modules next year requires work experience hours, and I saw this as a great opportunity to collaborate with a group of inspiring women dedicated to spreading awareness about a topic that is too often overlooked.

Outside of university, I love exploring new coffee shops and going for walks or hikes with my partner, enjoying nature at least every fortnight.

Deeksha Tyagi

Volunteer content creator

Deeksha Tyagi is a consultative selling expert with over 9 years of experience in corporate ad sales in media. She has a proven track record in key account management, business development, and campaign execution, having worked with global brands like Google, Apple, and Reckitt Benckiser to drive impactful marketing solutions.

Beyond sales, Deeksha is a passionate content creator who blends creativity with strategy to craft engaging digital narratives. From building a social media presence to optimizing content for maximum reach, she leverages her expertise in audience engagement and storytelling to create meaningful connections. Backed by certifications from IIM Calcutta and Google Ads, she continues to explore new ways to blend consultative selling with digital innovation.

With a deep understanding of both media sales and content creation, Deeksha remains committed to shaping compelling brand stories in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Steph Richards

Parliamentary Advisor

Steph is a human rights activist and a recipient of an Inspirational Woman of Portsmouth Award in 2023. She is passionate about supporting Endometriosis South Coast and all our beneficiaries

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Jeannie Lymath

Volunteer

Jeannie is a dedicated holistic therapist, founder of Solecare Healing and head of the Solecare Academy of Healing South Coast, where she provides transformative reflexology and crystal healing training. Passionate about addressing the root causes of health challenges, she integrates a wealth of knowledge in holistic wellness practices, guiding clients toward healing, balance and self care.

As a volunteer for endometriosis south coast, she brings her healing expertise and compassionate care to those affected by endometriosis, linking her skills as a therapist to support her community through “Healing Hands in the Community”. This role allows her to give back by fostering awareness and offering relief to those navigating this challenging condition, driven by a commitment to empower others in their wellness journeys.

Hayley Marsh

Volunteer

I volunteer for the charity when I can. This is to try and give back to the charity that has given so much to me in the last 5 years.

I want to try and help raise awareness and reach other endo sufferers so they don’t feel so alone anymore.

Plus, it’s always a fun-filled day out.. of getting lost on the way to events to setting the stall up to learn we have no table, ohh and holding down gazebos so they don’t get blown away! 😂.. so many beautiful n hilarious memories!! 😂 I love being a tiny part of this amazing family that is Endometriosis South Coast.

Christina Holden

Volunteer