A RAFFLE in Gillingham is set to raise much-needed funds to help a woman access specialist surgery and get her life back.
Ibti Redgrave, who was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis, is raising money for private surgery which would see the removal of lesions which have spread over her organs.
The NHS waiting list is said to be too long, and Ibti says that despite her and her husband Matt looking into re-mortgaging their property, they “simply cannot afford it on their own”.
Almost £7,000 has been raised in support of Ibti so far, and the family are hoping an upcoming fundraising event will help boost the funds.
They have organised a raffle at the Vicarage School Room in Gillingham this Thursday (April 24) from 2.30pm to 5pm – complete with cakes, lemonade, face painting and “amazing” prizes.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
These growths can spread to organs like the bladder, bowel, ovaries, and in severe cases, even the diaphragm and lungs.
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This tissue reacts to hormonal changes, causing inflammation, scarring, and extreme pain, but unlike normal uterine tissue, it has nowhere to shed—leading to internal bleeding, cysts, and organ damage.
Stage 4 endometriosis means that the disease has spread extensively, causing deep infiltrating lesions, adhesions (scar tissue that binds organs together), and significant damage to multiple organs.
Ibti says that in her case, the disease has progressed to her diaphragm, which has made breathing difficult.
Adenomyosis is a similar condition where the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, making the uterus thickened and enlarged. This causes severe cramping, heavy bleeding, and chronic pain.
Ibti said that having both conditions together “makes symptoms even more unbearable.”
She says her concerns were initially dismissed, leaving her without answers for 31 years before an MRI last year confirmed her diagnosis.
“While it was a relief to finally have confirmation of what I’ve been enduring, it also meant facing the reality that my disease had progressed significantly,” she said.
She added: “I was blessed with my miracle children, and all I want is to be healthy enough to be the best mother I can be for them.
“But now, I am at a point where even basic daily activities are a struggle. My pain has reached unbearable levels, and I can no longer push through like I used to.
“I have found an amazing surgeon who can perform a robotic-assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy and remove all the endometriosis lesions that have spread across my organs.
“This surgery is my best chance at getting my life back, but the cost is overwhelming.
“My husband is self-employed, and despite our best efforts, including looking into re-mortgaging, we simply cannot afford it on our own.
“I never thought I would be in a position where I’d have to ask for help. I’ve spent my life pushing through the pain, but I can’t do it alone anymore.”
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