When my son Jack was just 12 years old, he was diagnosed with primary lymphoedema – a lifelong condition that has changed his life in ways most people will never truly see.

Over the past nine years, Jack has faced far more than just swelling. He has been admitted to hospital on numerous occasions with cellulitis and sepsis, both really serious complications that are sadly all too common for people living with lymphoedema. Every infection brings severe pain, uncertainty and a long recovery, yet through it all Jack has shown incredible courage, determination and resilience.

Today, Jack is 21 years old and is now the proud father of a beautiful baby girl.

Sadly, she has inherited the same broken gene that is responsible for Jack's condition, meaning there is a possibility she could face similar challenges as she grows up. We are all praying that, if she does develop symptoms, they are far milder than those Jack has experienced.

Many people have never even heard of lymphoedema, yet thousands of people across the UK live with it every day.

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition where excess lymph fluid builds up in the body's tissues, causing persistent swelling. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but it can affect other parts of the body too.

For many people, living with lymphoedema means coping with:

Persistent swelling in the arms, legs, hands or feet

A heavy, tight or uncomfortable feeling in the affected limb

Pain and reduced mobility

Tightened or hardened skin

Recurrent infections such as cellulitis, often requiring hospital treatment

Other ongoing complications, including issues affecting the eyes and ingrowing eyelashes in some cases

Lifelong daily management to keep symptoms under control

Despite everything Jack has faced, he has never allowed his condition to define who he is.

That's why me Chris Wallace and me best bud Tom Brown wanted to do something positive—not only to support Jack, but also to raise awareness of a condition that receives very little public attention and to raise money for the fantastic Lymphoedema Support Network, a charity that provides invaluable support, advice and information to people and families living with lymphoedema.

So, we've decided to set ourselves a challenge...

We're going to walk approximately 105 miles from Foxton Locks in Leicestershire to London, following the Grand Union Canal.

Our aim is to complete the journey in just four days, carrying everything we need on our backs and wild camping along the route.

It will be physically demanding, with long days of walking, tired legs, blisters, little sleep and whatever the British weather decides to throw at us. But those four days are nothing compared with the lifelong challenges that Jack and so many others living with lymphoedema face every single day.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help support the incredible work of the Lymphoedema Support Network, while also helping to raise awareness of a condition that deserves far greater recognition and understanding.

If you're able to donate, we'd be incredibly grateful. If you can't donate, simply sharing this page could make a huge difference.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Jack's story and support our challenge. Your kindness and generosity really do mean the world to us.

Together, we can raise awareness, support those living with lymphoedema, and hopefully make a real difference.

Thank you.

Chris & Tom