Gill’s new challenge    - My last physical challenge was to run 100yds in 14 secs. when I was 13! Time for a new one.                                                 Walking round the Isle of Wight in a few days for the Lymphoedema Support network which is an invaluable online patient-led charity informing doctors and patients. Lymphoedema is still poorly understood and diagnosed. I like many others have had it since cancer treatment

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. It would be great if you could sponsor me.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate. A huge thank you if you can.      Gill 

I would also like to raise awareness of the condition so if you could spare a few minutes to read this, that would be fantastic.

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition with no cure as yet, that
causes swelling in the body's tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually the arms or legs.                                                      Lymphoedema is often caused by a faulty lymph system: the network of vessels and glands distributed throughout the body that helps to fight infection and drain excess fluid from tissues.                                          There are two main types                                                                                  primary lymphoedema – caused by faulty genes affecting the development of the lymphatic system at any age, around one in every 6,000 people suffer.                                                                                    secondary lymphoedema - caused by damage to the lymphatic system or drainage of it, often due to an infection, injury or cancer treatment (approx. 20% of women after breast cancer)

240,000+ people in the UK have lymphoedema but millions of people worldwide. The main symptoms can be controlled using techniques to minimise fluid build-up and stimulate the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system.   Unchecked, the limbs can swell, cause pain, discomfort and possible disability. People with lymphoedema are more vulnerable to bacterial infection, in particular cellulitis.

Thanks for reading. Gill