Former Emmerdale actress Mica Keeble is raising awareness about endometriosis in the workplace this March as part of Endometriosis Action Month. Her campaign highlights the challenges faced by many of the 1.5 million women in the UK living with the condition, which can impact careers and force some out of work entirely.
Mica, 28, who played a young Charity Dingle in 2019, was diagnosed with endometriosis at 18 after years of debilitating pain. Her condition became so severe that it caused her lung to collapse every month, and she was initially told a hysterectomy was her only option.
Everything changed when she started working at HECK! in North Yorkshire at 21. “I started working at HECK! to supplement my acting income, but my symptoms were so debilitating, I knew I had to explain to the family what I was going through,” said Mica. “It was a difficult conversation to have, but they were incredibly supportive and encouraged me to get a second opinion. Thankfully, I did, and this led to an operation that helped me move on with my life and avoid a hysterectomy.”
Mica went on to marry Roddy Keeble, the youngest son of HECK! founders Andrew and Debbie Keeble, and now has two children. While she continues to act, including a recent role in Casualty, she now oversees distribution and quality control at HECK!, managing a team of 70 and ensuring the company’s one million sausages a day reach supermarkets across the UK.
“Mica’s a real inspiration to the team, and we’re incredibly proud of her,” said Debbie Keeble. “She’s inspired us to encourage anyone with this debilitating condition to come forward and ask for help and advice. We now have regular healthcare screenings in place for all our team, with access to additional support when needed.”
Mica said, “The HECK! team has been brilliant right from the beginning, both supporting my health problems and giving me great career opportunities beyond acting. It’s a real family and friends concern here, and everyone’s so supportive.”
Endometriosis UK has called for workplaces to offer more support and understanding for employees with the condition. Recent research by the Office for National Statistics found that women diagnosed with endometriosis see a drop in their monthly earnings, with many forced into lower-paid jobs or reduced hours.
Yorkshire MP Gill Furniss recently led a debate on the issue, saying, “This condition should not mean women have to put their careers on hold. It’s great that companies like HECK! are leading the way.”
Debbie Keeble agrees, stating, “Some employers may not fully understand the severity of the condition. We’re supporting Mica’s call to encourage other employers to provide better support and advice for women.”
To find out more about Mica’s campaign, visit www.heckfood.co.uk/news.
