Make up artist embarks on '31 Days of Yellow' face painting challenge for endometriosis awareness month
A talented amateur make up artist has embarked on a '31 Days of Yellow' face painting challenge in support of endometriosis awareness month.
Niki Etheridge, 33, has suffered with endometriosis for the past seven years and has now put her make up brushes to work in order to raise awareness for the condition.
With March being Endometriosis Awareness Month, Niki has embarked on a '31 Days of Yellow' challenge where she transforms her face into something yellow - the colour of the awareness ribbon - every day of the month.
Over the past 31 days, Niki has turned herself into a whole host of yellow characters such as Flounder from The Little Mermaid, Wonder Woman and even Pacman.
She's also become different yellow objects, such as a fried egg, a daffodil, the yellow brick road from 'Wizard of Oz', a sunflower, and a block of cheese.
Sharing each incredible photo of her work on social media, Niki includes a different fact about endometriosis in the caption in order to educate people about the condition.
Niki, who lives in Norfolk with her supportive partner Rob Byard, 32, said: "I am a great believer in talking about the pain.
"Talk to your loved ones and give them as much information as you can to help them understand how difficult it can be.
"Don't ever feel ashamed about taking time out for your health.
Research your condition and talk to other Endo Warriors.
"The pain and symptoms can affect people differently so listen to your body!
"I have flare ups most weeks.
The last one went on for ten days, I'm only just recovering but I choose not to suffer in silence - my partner will tell you that!" This isn't the first time that Niki has supported Endometriosis Awareness Month who has hosted annual events for the cause since March 2017.
In previous years, her events have included a live display of her painting a model's body as well as raffles and donations to raise money for Endometriosis UK.
Her passion for the events has come out of her own struggle with endometriosis after she was diagnosed with the condition seven years ago.
Niki was diagnosed after suffering from symptoms for years, including bad tummy pains, thrush and ovarian cysts.
A laprascopic procedure revealed that she had endometriosis - a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Since her diagnosis, she has had three surgeries to remove the extra tissue but it will always grow back.
Endometriosis is notoriously difficult to diagnose with many women like Niki suffering for years before an official diagnosis, so now she is fighting hard to make more people aware of the painful condition.
Niki, who currently works full time for a logisitics company but dreams of becoming a professional make up artist, said: "Endometriosis is a nasty chronic disease that will stop you in your tracks." "My cycles have always been torture and I spent years during college and university thinking it was just 'women's problems'.
"I wasn't diagnosed until my late twenties, nearly 10 years after experiencing pain!
"Talk to anyone who will listen.
Your friends and family can really help you through the physical and emotional strain that an endometriosis flare will cause.
"They might not be able to do anything, but knowing they're there to get a hot water bottle or just listen will seriously help your mind.
"My partner Rob has been amazing throughout it all, I adore him.
"Education is key!
Research your condition, talk to other warriors, talk to charities, and teach your loved ones what is happening with your body."
A talented amateur make up artist has embarked on a '31 Days of Yellow' face painting challenge in support of endometriosis awareness month.
Niki Etheridge, 33, has suffered with endometriosis for the past seven years and has now put her make up brushes to work in order to raise awareness for the condition.
With March being Endometriosis Awareness Month, Niki has embarked on a '31 Days of Yellow' challenge where she transforms her face into something yellow - the colour of the awareness ribbon - every day of the month.
Over the past 31 days, Niki has turned herself into a whole host of yellow characters such as Flounder from The Little Mermaid, Wonder Woman and even Pacman.
She's also become different yellow objects, such as a fried egg, a daffodil, the yellow brick road from 'Wizard of Oz', a sunflower, and a block of cheese.
Sharing each incredible photo of her work on social media, Niki includes a different fact about endometriosis in the caption in order to educate people about the condition.
Niki, who lives in Norfolk with her supportive partner Rob Byard, 32, said: "I am a great believer in talking about the pain.
"Talk to your loved ones and give them as much information as you can to help them understand how difficult it can be.
"Don't ever feel ashamed about taking time out for your health.
Research your condition and talk to other Endo Warriors.
"The pain and symptoms can affect people differently so listen to your body!
"I have flare ups most weeks.
The last one went on for ten days, I'm only just recovering but I choose not to suffer in silence - my partner will tell you that!" This isn't the first time that Niki has supported Endometriosis Awareness Month who has hosted annual events for the cause since March 2017.
In previous years, her events have included a live display of her painting a model's body as well as raffles and donations to raise money for Endometriosis UK.
Her passion for the events has come out of her own struggle with endometriosis after she was diagnosed with the condition seven years ago.
Niki was diagnosed after suffering from symptoms for years, including bad tummy pains, thrush and ovarian cysts.
A laprascopic procedure revealed that she had endometriosis - a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Since her diagnosis, she has had three surgeries to remove the extra tissue but it will always grow back.
Endometriosis is notoriously difficult to diagnose with many women like Niki suffering for years before an official diagnosis, so now she is fighting hard to make more people aware of the painful condition.
Niki, who currently works full time for a logisitics company but dreams of becoming a professional make up artist, said: "Endometriosis is a nasty chronic disease that will stop you in your tracks." "My cycles have always been torture and I spent years during college and university thinking it was just 'women's problems'.
"I wasn't diagnosed until my late twenties, nearly 10 years after experiencing pain!
"Talk to anyone who will listen.
Your friends and family can really help you through the physical and emotional strain that an endometriosis flare will cause.
"They might not be able to do anything, but knowing they're there to get a hot water bottle or just listen will seriously help your mind.
"My partner Rob has been amazing throughout it all, I adore him.
"Education is key!
Research your condition, talk to other warriors, talk to charities, and teach your loved ones what is happening with your body."
