A FORMER model who “nearly died” battling an horrific disease is now travelling the world to help fellow sufferers.

Carla Cressy, who was once voted one of the country’s prettiest women, flew to Israel to tell experts about her new charity.

Her trip comes hot-on-the-heels of the backing of Hollywood star Lena Dunham - who dubbed her a “heroine” for sharing her story.

Carla is also meeting with MPs– even attending the first All Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis in Westminster.

Last year Carla was rushed to hospital and had 2.5 litres of poison drained from her body after it was discovered her organs had ‘frozen together’.

She endured five surgeries and is still facing more but the brave 26-year-old is fighting to help others.

Carla met with brothers Camran and Ceana Nezhat, the world’s leading endometriosis surgeons, at the International Summit on Assisted Reproduction in Israel.

She said: “I have obsessed over Dr Camran Nezhat’s research since my diagnosis, even my family become fed up with hearing it.

“I couldn’t believe it when my phone rang

“It wasn’t too long ago I nearly died on the operating table and it was only thanks to an emergency caesarean section I’m here today.

“Endometriosis is an incurable condition and is truly horrific for sufferers.

“Hopefully by meeting these doctors and world experts we can find a way of controlling its symptoms and eventually one day curing it.

“However the most important thing now is to raise awareness.

“I’m overwhelmed my work was noticed and I was invited to Israel to meet with these doctors who are now supporting me, my campaign and my charity.”

Carla, from Leigh, has been left badly after her uterus, bowel, and intestine fused together.

Tragically she had to turn her back on her career.

She said: “My career was cut short by this horrendous disease.

“No woman should have to struggle for ten years thinking they have cancer and no one should have to go through what I’ve been through.

“I’m still seeing doctors, having surgeries and trying to get my life back from this condition.

“It’s hard to describe the pain and impact it has had on me, but I don’t want anyone to go through what I’ve endured.”

Endometriosis involves tissue that behaves as the lining of the womb found in other areas of the body, usually within the pelvic area including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or around the bladder or bowel.

Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this tissue has no way to escape, causing chronic pain and other severe symptoms.

For more information visit https://healthunlocked.com/women-endometriosis.

Alternatively visit https://womenwithendometriosis.org/