Story

Lipoedema is a painful, disfiguring and stigmatising disease that has run undiagnosed in my family for generations. I'm deeply proud to be a part of Lipoedema UK, a charity that represents hope on the horizon for those who still suffer. Any support would be so strongly appreciated!

My no-spend year runs from 28th February 2018 to 28th February 2019. If I buy anything I shouldn’t within that time, I will double that amount and donate it to Lipoedema UK as a forfeit (and let you know about it!).

There will be no spending on: 

Any kind of entertainment This includes TV subscriptions like netflix, cinema or theatre tickets, concerts, books or magazines, amazon prime, video games, CDs or DVDs, etc.

Unnecessary food So no bottled or canned drinks, impulse-bought junk foods, coffee, chewing gum, patisserie, sweets, etc. Definitely no takeaways! Meals eaten out are totally banned unless necessary as part of a larger social occasion (for work or a friend's special event) to which I've been invited, in which case I must have only one course and choose either the cheapest or healthiest option available.

Clothing No new clothes at all, unless my body size/shape changes dramatically such that I physically can’t fit my current wardrobe (for example due to development of lymphoedema, at which I am at risk thanks to the lipoedema), in which case I can only buy clothes from charity shops that are clear replacements for those I already own. I’m not allowed new shoes or other accessories either. 

Holidays With the exception of a long-planned one with my mum in September - that she has already booked and paid for - I’m not allowed to pay to travel or stay anywhere just for a holiday.

Any unnecessary stuff Jewellery, bags, luggage, scarves, cosmetics, face masks, hair masks, health or beauty fad items, hairdressing, waxing, spa or manicure/pedicure appointments, gym memberships all come under this section, as do any decorative items, candles, room diffusers, essential oils, stationary, artists supplies, calendars, subscriptions, kitchenware, furniture, etc.

Begging off others I am not allowed to encourage people to buy these things for me!!

What I can spend money on: 

Just the essentials, basically, that I cannot live without or legally avoid, so things like rent, student loan repayments, taxes, utility bills and essential household or household equipment repairs, car expenses, public transport, necessary household and personal hygiene products, daily groceries, medical/surgical costs, prescriptions, and dental appointments, presents for close family and friends on special occasions, direct charitable donations. I am also allowed to go to the swimming pool once a week (when medically possible again; not at the moment, long story), because exercise in water is essential to manage my lipoedema. 

For a dedicated foodie, chai latte addict, and hair and beauty fan like me, this is going to be tough, so please do donate and help me through! I need to know it will all be worth it. Not just for me but for those with more extreme manifestations of this condition, looking at a life of pain and immobility in front of them, with no available NHS cure. Thank you!