Daneka Etchells Says 17-Year Endometriosis Delay Left Permanent Disability as She Returns in The Secret Garden
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 18
Daneka Etchells Says 17-Year Endometriosis Delay Left Permanent Disability as She Returns in The Secret Garden
1 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 18
Summary
17 years passed before Daneka Etchells was diagnosed with endometriosis, and she says the delay left permanent nerve damage, constant pain and a lasting mobility impairment.
Etchells told the BBC her symptoms were repeatedly dismissed from age 12 despite severe bleeding and pain; by the time a female GP referred her to a gynaecologist, the disease had spread across nerves and ligaments in her legs.
Six months off work followed after her condition worsened during a Shakespeare's Globe production, and she eventually raised money for private excision surgery because she could not wait for NHS treatment.
The new disabled-led stage adaptation of The Secret Garden at Theatre Royal Bath mirrors that experience, recasting Colin as a child who is finally believed and able to advocate for himself.
Healthwatch England says such medical gaslighting is common for conditions including endometriosis and ADHD, especially among young people, women and LGBTQ patients, as ministers cite NHS reforms and Martha's Law.
An actress waited 17 years for a diagnosis. Is it bad doctors, or a system built to ignore women's pain?
The UK's Women's Health Strategy is now active. Are doctors finally listening, or is the gender pain gap here to stay?
From Medical Gaslighting to Stage Advocacy: Daneka Etchells and the Disability-Led "Secret Garden"
Overview
The Egg Theatre in Bath is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a year-long 'Secret Gardens season,' featuring a disability-led reimagining of 'The Secret Garden.' This production, running in July 2026, is designed to offer sensory-led experiences for children and young people across the Southwest. At its heart is actress Daneka Etchells, whose personal journey with chronic illness and advocacy for inclusion brings authenticity to the stage. The theatre’s commitment to a disability-led approach highlights a strong dedication to inclusive storytelling and representation, making this adaptation a powerful example of modern, accessible theatre.