Donate In Memory of Steph Ives-Stevens
We are heartbroken by the loss of our wonderful colleague, Steph, and are now fundraising to raise awareness and help others affected by this debilitating condition that is PMDD.
In doing so, we are continuing the incredible work Steph had already begun, completing her journey as she was taking on an epic fundraising challenge for PMDD.
The ITV Content Services team will be taking on The Three Peaks on Thursday 29th August to raise money for the Wellbeing of Women Charity in honour of Steph.
We don't think anyone could articulate what it feels like better than Steph did in her own words...
"PMDD, 28 days, 3 lakes, 2 rivers, 1 quarry, an outdoor pool at night, a waterfall, the North Sea and me.
In February I challenged myself to swim in open water every day in the hope I could raise awareness of a condition I’ve suffered with for around 25 years. Cold water is 1 tool I use to help me cope with the symptoms of PMDD. It stands for Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder and generally speaking no-one’s heard of it. Women tend to struggle in silence, not understanding what’s wrong with them, and if they do talk about it are often met with bewilderment, disbelief or suggestions of how to fix themselves."
PMDD is like building a sand castle of good habits and positive mood then twice a month watching it get swept away leaving depression, anger and hopelessness.
"Basically my brain can’t cope with normal monthly fluctuations in hormones. Very slight changes in levels of oestrogen/progesterone are the difference between me feeling good and able to attack life and feeling so low and overwhelmed I no longer want to be alive. Despite it being cyclical it took me years to figure out it was all linked to ovulation and periods. The chronic lack of research into women’s health didn’t help. Next year after my current course of treatment its planned I’ll have a hysterectomy and oophorectomy (removal of the womb and ovaries) to eliminate the problem. So that’s my story, but I know there are so many women out there suffering at the hands of hormones, and made to feel like they shouldn’t talk about it. Thank you to the lovely, loyal friends who’ve stuck with me without judgement, the consultant who listened and validated the struggle I’ve faced for over half my life and of course to my ever loving Andy."
For information, resources and a webinar on PMDD and menstrual health visit our health information pages.
Tributes
Always remembered 💕 - Joe Frost
I have never heard of this condition, and so very enlightening, and shocking that there is still so little understanding and research about Women's Health! :( - Becky Kinder
Well done Bethan and Team for doing something so personal to you all in Steph’s memory x - Alison Roberts
Steph is not forgotten. 💕 - Gill Roberts
Good luck Bethan & team xx - Bobbi White
Enjoy the challenge team. Thank you for raising awareness of this horrendous condition xx - Laura Scougall
Good luck everyone x - Hannah Williamson
Good luck Josh & team - brilliant cause x - Kathryn Clark
Best of luck for the Three Peaks challenge - Jake and Cara
Well done team for taking on this challenge. Enjoy every step and toast the beautiful Steph at each summit. Fly high Steph xx - Mandy Miller
Well done to everyone involved. A worthy cause in memory of a lady that sounds remarkable. - Kerry Smith
Good luck tomorrow Team Content Services, you are raising awareness to a great cause and hopefully this will help people like Steph getting the help they need before it is too late, Jo x
Well done Bethan & Team. Matt P x
Many fond memories of working with such a lovely woman when we were at ITV. Thinking of her family and friends. - Mark Robinson
Love always to our Steph - Julki Ghosh
Good luck Bethan and team. She would be very proud of you xx - Sonny Hanley
She’s left footprints in so may peoples hearts - Cathy Calver
Donate in memory of Steph Stevens
Your donation in memory of Steph will help women who are suffering with PMDD and other menstrual health conditions affecting their mental health and wellbeing.
Our 'Just a Period' campaign aims to educate and empower girls and women to be in control of their menstrual health from their first period to their last.
We want to ensure that menstrual health never prevents girls and women from reaching their potential and enables them to thrive.
Wellbeing of Women
Wellbeing of Women is the women’s health charity saving and changing the lives of women, girls and babies. Our ambition is to ensure that women’s lives are not limited by their gynaecological and reproductive health.
We do this by investing in world class research, championing education, tackling taboos, influencing guidelines, policy and practice and empowering women to advocate for themselves.
Women are the cornerstone of our society, so when we get it right for women and girls, everyone benefits.