I am raising funds for the LSN to help them continue their amazing work in supporting the lymphoedema community.

I am supporting this cause because I am very unfortunate to be among the one in five, or so, women who develop lymphoedema as a complication of treatment for cervical cancer.

It has been five years since my diagnosis and I would like to raise £500 to thank the LSN for their kindness, understanding and continued campaigning to raise awareness of this largely neglected and misunderstood condition.

Imagine being told you have an incurable medical condition that will affect how you look, the clothes you can wear, the job you do, how you feel about yourself and how others view you. Discomfort, swelling, fatigue, increased risk of infection and skin changes will be a part of your life for ever. None of your friends, family, or anyone else ever having heard of it and even your GP having very little idea on how to treat it. Now imagine if there was nowhere to go for support, information, advice, and guidance.

The LSN cannot change the diagnosis for the 400,000 adults, children and babies living with lymphoedema in the UK, but they can listen, support, empower, educate, raise awareness and campaign for better care.

The LSN are a very small group of dedicated people with this condition themselves, and have been supporting people living with lymphoedema for 32 years.

Thank you.