I wanted to share some recent film work. Commissioned by Run The Alps and ON, with additional support from OMM, Red Needle is a short documentary following ultra-marathon runner Sarah Gerrish. Sarah lost an ovary to cancer at 15 and the second to a malign cyst at 36, putting her directly into surgical menopause and a world of fatigue, brain fog and exhaustion. The film was led by Sarah from the first meeting to the final cut, and I honestly couldn’t feel more humbled to have worked with her on the script and the edit.
There’s still a sense that menopause is taboo – and no one really talks about early menopause or surgical menopause at all. Making this film has been a space for Dom and I to listen and to learn, and I only hope we’ve done some justice to Sarah’s experience.
The film premiered at Kendal Mountain Festival 2023 and was subsequently nominated for TGO magazine Film Of The Year – all the more special for being a readers’ award. At the time of writing there are still 4-5 days left to vote, so if you enjoy the film, please sling a little love our way.
Simon Sylvester 
Already slung!
I’ve sent my wife the YouTube link to watch. I don’t want to overstep but my wife suffered from fairly severe endometriosis her whole life. In her late 30’s after multiple false diagnoses her ovaries were removed bringing on an early menopause. To be honest it was hard on our relationship, she suffered from self image issues already linked to a rough but loving childhood. The story you told hit home very hard, and I wanted to make sure to say thank you for what you do.
PS I would not trade my wife for anything in this world
Thanks for saying so Chris – appreciate you watching. It’s scandalous how often these things are misdiagnosed.