Testimonials

I have known Matt for almost ten years now and can honestly say, I regard him as a compliant patient with the drive to make a positive contribution by helping others with lymphoedema. Now, he is making new ground in creating this book, which I don’t think has ever been done in this way before, as well as producing a new website, which again, I think provides a unique service to people living with lymphoedema. I am very pleased to have been Matt’s sounding board, as he puts it, and provide him with support and encouragement along the way.

I suspect Matt will agree that has been a journey filled with highs and occasional lows. I believe we have learnt a great deal from each other, both about an individual’s response to lymphoedema treatment and the psychological impact this disease can inflict. I look forward to continuing to support Matt with managing his lymphoedema for many more years and am optimistic that the future of lymphoedema care will continue to develop and improve.

I am very honoured to be invited to be part of your project and delighted to be able to accept.

I was delighted when Matt asked me to contribute to this book, and his forthcoming website. I truly believe that only by informing the patient of all options available to them can they make a fully informed decision about their care. Too often, patients have come to me asking why their doctor or practitioner didn’t inform them of our surgical service years ago, leaving them to suffer in isolation. It is only through initiatives like this that patients can be empowered.

Matt and I have been involved in a torrent of emails fuelled by his determination to be a game-changer in this quickly evolving field of lymphatic disease (LD). The fact that Matt lives with lymphedema (LE) was of particular interest to me. I am always looking for the leaders who will forge the changes needed before LDs and LE become global priorities. The bond that ensured from our likeminded curiosity and determination led to Matt asking me to write a chapter for this book. I do so with pleasure and as prologue to what I envision as Matt’s future impact on this field.

Matt was very keen from the outset to see how he could help the LSN. Matt had a particular interest in raising awareness of lymphoedema, particularly among men who live with primary forms of the condition, he was ultimately invited to join the LSN Trustee Board, focussing on our corporate relationships and fundraising. We know that raising awareness among men remains Matt’s passion and we wish him every success in his new ventures.

I had the opportunity to engage Matt as a consultant when Haddenham Healthcare were looking to build a patient focused retail platform for lymphoedema patients. Matt’s diligent work ethic, business knowledge and passion for empowering lymphoedema patients was invaluable in helping to deliver a successful project.

There are many gaps in provision of care, support and knowledge in relation to lymphoedema and Matt had certainly identified with some of these through his own harrowing experiences. Filling these gaps needs a multidimensional approach and for all of us who are passionate about doing so to collaborate. I am delighted that Matt and the BLS are continuing discussions about we can work together effectively and am honoured to be invited to contribute to this book.

I have known of Matt’s work within the lymphoedema community for a number of years. His willingness to share the story of his own lymphoedema, including his experiences with lymph node transfer and liposuction surgery, with others is admirable and I immediately loved his idea to write this book, particularly because it is written specifically for the patient, for the individual living with, and so often struggling with, the condition that is lymphoedema, on a day-to-day basis. I am confident that this book will give you an introduction to the many treatments and protocols that you may have heard mentioned, but not known where to access more facts, data and statistics.

Matt was desperately trying to find solutions and asked many questions that I couldn’t answer, including surgical options. I did some bandaging (MLLB) but I knew he needed long term care.

In the time I have been running L-W-O Community I have met many amazing people all of whom are passionate about the lymphoedema community.  I was introduced to Matt Hazledine at the LSN Conference at Edgbaston in 2018 and have since spoken on the phone and exchanged several emails.  I am delighted to contribute to his book and support the work he does to inform and educate those of us who live with lymphoedema.

I am delighted and feel very honoured to be involved with your book Matt, which I know is going to be a great success.

I will never forget seeing Matt walk into Levis in his Lot 1’s. Every inch of him stood tall and proud, and he certainly had a swagger. It’s not often with tailoring that one can feel they really made a difference, but I know that these jeans have for Matt and I am immensely proud that with this service we can problem solve whilst creating beautiful jeans too!