LymphUnited eNewsletter
Volume 19
April 2026
LymphUnited eNewsletter
Volume 19
April 2026
Volume 19 – April 2026
Welcome to our nineteenth LymphUnited Newsletter, including:
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LYMPHOEDEMA AWARENESS MONTH
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NEW BOOKS – FREE PRIZE DRAWS
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FG-MLD EXPERIENCE
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HEAD & NECK LYMPHOEDEMA SURVEY RESULTS
Ultimately, this newsletter is for your benefit. Therefore, I welcome your feedback or any requests you have for future content.
Contact Matt at Hello@lymphunited.com.
Spotlight on… LYMPHOEDEMA AWARENESS MONTH
By Jasmine & Matt Hazledine
Raising awareness of lymphoedema to the general public and raising money for lymphoedema charities were our main objectives during March, now recognised as Lymphoedema Awareness Month. As you will see, it’s really been a superb effort by my family this year.
Jasmine’s Achievements
For world lymphoedema day I decided to help my dad in spreading awareness by telling all my friends at school about wearing odd socks and the significance of it. By doing this, I inspired many of my friends to join me in wearing odd socks to school on 6th March.
As well as this I posted a TikTok about this day and got many people reposting it to continue spreading awareness of this condition. Views 2889, likes 217 and 14 people reposted it. This is now something I will be doing every year to do my part in making lymphoedema more well known. Lymphoedema Awareness: Wear Odd Socks on March 6th! | TikTok
Following this my friend and I supported my dad in raising £438 at the Moseley rugby match and had lots of people asking us about lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema Awareness: Wear Odd Socks on March 6th! | TikTok
As supporters of the ‘Stick it to Lymphoedema’ campaign from Haddenham Healthcare and ‘Sock it to Lymphoedema’ campaign in collaboration with Sock Shop, it is fair to say that both objectives have been achieved, although our work continues outside of March, as always!
Sock Shop – Sock it to Lymphoedema
Shane Doughty – Managing Director of Drew Brady & Co and the Sock Shop Marketing team have, once again, been extremely supportive during Lymphoedema Awareness Month. Our members could receive 15% OFF all IOMI FootNurse and Gentle Grip socks during March. In addition, Shane gave their PR company, ‘Another Concept’ the challenge of placing an interview with Matt in as many mainstream or regional publications as possible, all at no cost to Lymphoedema United!
Jasmine and friends Socking it to
Lymphoedema on 6th March
Lymphoedema United at the Rugby
On Saturday 14th March, Lymphoedema United were invited to Birmingham Moseley RFC for their match against Sedgley Park. Matt, Vicki, Jasmine and her friend Daisy hosted locals with lymphoedema; Nick Peel and Emma, James and Izzy Barnes for pre-match hospitality as winners of the tickets donated by Dan Lavander for our Charity Golf Day auction in 2025.
Matt spoke about lymphoedema before the match to 250 supporters in the Hospitality Suite, mostly men, raising awareness of the condition, especially after cancer treatment. Before kick-off and during half time, Jasmine and Daisy visited each table and collected an incredible £438 from the supporters, which has been donated to the Lymphoedema Appeal & Research Fund, managed by St George’s Hospital Charity.
Matt had his photo taken with the club mascot proudly wearing the lymphoedema awareness sticker.
World Lymphoedema Day – 6th March at St George’s Hospital, London
St George’s Hospital Charity, Lymphoedema Clinic and LYMRES hosted the World Lymphoedema Day Event in London on 6th March 2026. St George’s is at the forefront of global lymphoedema research and care. Expert talks from leading clinicians and researchers shared how their work is improving lives locally and internationally. The free event was very informative and open to staff, students, people with lymphoedema and the local community.
Katy Vaughan CEO St George’s Hospital Charity opened proceedings, followed by the following expert speakers: Professor Sahar Mansour, Clinical Genetics Consultant & Professor Kristiana Gordon, Consultant in Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine.
Causes of lymphoedema (primary and secondary) – Dr Bernard Ho, Consultant Dermatologist.
Complications of lymphoedema (skin changes, cellulitis, warts, intestinal etc) – Dr Julian Pearce, Consultant Dermatologist
Physical treatments for lymphoedema ‘the old and the new’ – Mark Pearson, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist & Paediatric and Primary Lymphoedema Clinic Coordinator
New techniques for imaging the lymphatics – Mike Mills, PhD Student and Stephanie Wilken-Smith, Senior Clinical Research Nurse
Closing remarks – Professor Peter Mortimer, Emeritus Professor of Dermatological Medicine
A Q&A followed with the expert panel, before the opportunity to meet the experts and delegates over tea/coffee and biscuits. Well done SGHC and thank you for hosting this very special insight into the work of the St George’s Lymphoedema teams.
Berkshire Lymphoedema Support Group – Presentation
Matt was joined by Liz Markie, Sales & Marketing Manager for Thuasne UK, to present at the Berkshire Lymphoedema Support Group meeting in March. We were made to feel very welcome and the group learned more about the Thuasne Mobiderm product range and how to source it either on prescription or by purchasing using the LymphUtd member’s discount code, enabling them to receive 15% off.
Some of the group didn’t want their photo taken but those that did proudly held their Stick it to Lymphoedema stickers from Haddenham.
Matt presenting at the National Lymphoedema Conference in London,
leading up to Lymphoedema Awareness Month.
NEW BOOKS – THREE FREE PRIZE DRAWS
By Lymphoedema United Members; Graham Rooms, Jean LaMantia and Gemma Levine
Three new books launched in March, all from members of Lymphoedema United who I now consider friends; Graham Rooms, Gemma Levine and Jean LaMantia.
They have all been kind enough to donate signed copies of their book for members of Lymphoedema United to win in one of THREE FREE PRIZE DRAWS!! T&Cs Apply
FREE PRIZE DRAW No1
‘There is life at the end of the tunnel’ by Graham Rooms
Enter the Free Prize Draw and you could be one of the three lucky winners to receive a signed copy of Graham’s book. To enter, email hello@lymphunited.com including your name and ‘Graham Rooms – Free Prize Draw’. See below for T&Cs.
Can’t wait? Click here to order your copy.
FREE PRIZE DRAW No2
‘Complementary Therapies for Lymphedema: Empowering Patients Through Evidence-Informed Self-Care’ by Jean LaMantia
Enter the Free Prize Draw and you could be the lucky winner of a signed copy of Jean’s book. To enter, email hello@lymphunited.com including your name and ‘Jean LaMantia – Free Prize Draw’. See below for T&Cs.
Can’t wait? Click here to order your copy.
FREE PRIZE DRAW No3
‘Chapters of My Life’ by Gemma Levine
Enter the Free Prize Draw and you could be the lucky winner of a signed copy of Gemma’s book. To enter, email hello@lymphunited.com including your name and ‘Gemma Levine – Free Prize Draw’. See below for T&Cs.
Can’t wait? Click here to order your copy.
T&Cs
One entry per person per draw. UK residents only. Members of Lymphoedema United only. No purchase necessary. Entries valid from 1am on 20th April 2026 to midnight on 31st May 2026. Winners drawn w/c 4th June 2026 using an online randomiser. By entering the draw you are giving Lymphoedema United permission to share your name and email address with the author, enabling them to arrange delivery of their book to you.
Living Beyond Cancer: The Hidden Impact of Lymphoedema
For many people living with or beyond cancer, the journey does not end when treatment finishes. In fact, for some, it marks the beginning of a new and often unexpected challenge.
One such challenge is secondary lymphoedema, a condition that is far more common than many realise, yet still widely overlooked and under-discussed.
In my own experience, lymphoedema was never meaningfully highlighted as a potential long-term consequence of the cancer treatment I was about to undergo. Like many others, it was only after surgery that I came to understand the reality of living with this condition.
In my book, There Is Life at the End of the Tunnel, I dedicate four chapters to exploring how lymphoedema has impacted my life in ways I could never have imagined.
Where to Buy the Book
There Is Life at the End of the Tunnel is available now on Amazon for £9.99.
You can find it easily by searching “There Is Life at the End of the Tunnel” or Graham Rooms
A proportion of the proceeds from every sale will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK and The Fire Fighters Charity, two organisations that have provided invaluable support to me throughout my cancer journey.
By purchasing the book, you are not only reading a personal and honest account of life beyond cancer but also helping to support others facing similar challenges.
Coming to Terms with a Lifelong Condition
Lymphoedema is not a short-term side effect, it is a chronic and progressive condition that requires ongoing management.
One of the greatest challenges is the adjustment:
- Accepting the diagnosis
- Understanding how to prevent progression
- Learning how to manage symptoms day to day
This includes navigating the often-complex world of compression garments, which quickly become part of everyday life. For me, as for many men, the options available felt limited, adding another layer of frustration to an already difficult situation.
The Emotional and Physical Toll
Beyond the physical symptoms, lymphoedema can have a profound impact on:
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Mobility and daily function
- Sense of vulnerability, particularly when it comes to injury or infection
One of the most serious risks is cellulitis, an infection that can escalate quickly. In my case, this ultimately led to hospitalisation, an experience that reinforced just how serious and unpredictable this condition can be.
Why Awareness Matters
Despite how common lymphoedema is among cancer survivors, it often remains under-recognised and insufficiently discussed.
There is a gap, not just in clinical conversations, but in shared understanding.
Through my book, I wanted to do something simple but important: share the reality.
Not through complex medical explanations, but through lived experience:
- The emotional highs and lows
- The unexpected challenges
- The resilience required to adapt
A Message of Hope and Understanding
There Is Life at the End of the Tunnel is not just about my cancer journey, it is about everything that comes with it, including the lifelong conditions that can follow.
It is a short, accessible read, intended to:
- Help others feel less alone
- Raise awareness of lymphoedema
- Encourage more open conversations about life after cancer
Because while cancer may be the headline, it is often the after-effects that shape daily life in ways many people never see or fully understand.
‘Complementary Therapies for Lymphedema: Empowering Patients Through Evidence-Informed Self-Care’ by Jean LaMantia
Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition that affects millions worldwide, yet many individuals may still feel under-informed about how to care for it. While Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) remains the gold standard of care, people living with lymphedema often ask an important question: What else can I do to help my lymphedema? While health professionals, may be wondering “What else can I safely and effectively offer my patients?” My new book, Complementary Therapies for Lymphedema, was written to answer those questions.
Complementary therapies are meant to supplement or complement conventional therapy, not replace it. They are frequently discussed in online forums and support groups, but the information is often conflicting, anecdotal, and lacks scientific grounding. As a registered dietitian and cancer survivor, I recognized the need for a clear, evidence-informed resource that bridges conventional care with other supportive self-care strategies. The goal of the book is not to replace standard treatment, but to help individuals make informed decisions about additional tools that may improve comfort, function, and quality of life.
The book reviews 101 complementary approaches including traditional therapies, body work, natural health products and high-tech devices. Each therapy is described, the research is explained, side-effects and risks are discussed and a bottom-line recommendation is provided.
Where to Buy the Book
Complementary Therapies for Lymphoedema is available now on Amazon for £20.69.
Chapters of My Life by Gemma Levine
Chapters of My Life is a beautifully personal collection of stories and photographs that trace Gemma Levine’s encounters, adventures and creative journey; from life behind the lens as a photographer to the experiences that have shaped her since being diagnosed with lymphoedema. With honesty, humour and resilience, she reflects on the people, places and moments that have left a lasting mark.
All proceeds from the book are generously being donated to St George’s Hospital Charity to support lymphoedema, and we are honoured to share her story with our community.
Where to Buy the Book
Chapters of My Life is available now from St George’s Hospital Charity online shop for £15.00
https://www.stgeorgeshospitalcharity.org.uk/support-us/shop/chapters-of-my-life
FG-MLD – MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
By Matt Hazledine
I have known Jane Wigg, the founder of Lymph Vision and Lymphoedema Training Academy, for over 10 years now. Jane wrote a chapter in my first book ‘How to LIVE BETTER with Lymphoedema – Meet the Experts’ and features on the Meet the Experts section of the Lymphoedema United website. https://lymphoedemaunited.com/meet-the-experts/jane-wigg/
Last year, 2025, I was warned that my lymphoedema was spreading from my left leg, to across my abdomen to my right thigh. I will be open with you, this news stopped me in my tracks as I had been so compliant with my self-management over the years. It brought me down for a few weeks until I fortuitously bumped into Jane Wigg at a conference.
I shared my news with Jane, and she explained the benefit of having a ICG Lymphography Imaging Assessment, at her Lymph Vision clinic. This would confirm whether the lymphoedema had spread, in addition to assess and track whether my lymphatic channels were working or not. We agreed a plan to book my two-day appointment in mid-January 2026 at her clinic in Stafford.
The wheels were in motion and soon after a telephone consultation was arranged for me in mid-December with Stacy Pugh, Clinical Nurse Manager. I was sent a clear information and asked to complete a Self-Referral Form and Consent Form in advance of my consultation.
Stacy was superb during the telephone consultation, and the questions were comprehensive to ascertain an accurate history of my health, especially lymphoedema, as I’d expect. Stacy then explained the ICG process clearly in terms I understood, so I knew what to expect at my appointment.
In summary, (and I go into more detail later) “ICG Lymphatic Imaging is used to map your lymphatics in real-time providing valuable insight and a bespoke lymphatic mapping plan, to assist with lymphatic drainage, with the aim of achieving improved outcomes and effective self-management.”
Our overriding objective was to establish two things. 1) Had my lymphoedema spread to my right leg, and 2) did I have any working lymphatic channels in my affected left leg.
As I live four hours drive from Stafford, I stayed in a local hotel on the Sunday night so I wasn’t late for my 10.15am appointment on Monday morning. On day one, I was warmly greeted by Stacy who explained the process in detail once again, just to ensure I knew what to expect and answer any questions I had. Shortly after that, I was asked to undress and put a surgical robe on in preparation for the procedure.
Jane then joined us and after checking my details once again, for the record, the process began. Jane injected the Indocyanine Green die on the top of my foot nearest the toes on my affected left leg. Yes, it stung for a few seconds but nothing to worry about. Stacy held the scanner above my foot which projected the image onto the screen a couple of feet from my head, so I could see clearly what was happening. It was fascinating to see the fluorescent die shine brightly on the screen as it slowly found the working lymphatic channels in my foot and ankle, until the die stopped at a collector valve and started pooling. Watching in real-time, Jane gently massaged the valve until the die worked its way through and continue its journey along the lymphatic channel. As the die reached my calf the channel became impossible to see as the die then started to disperse into the surrounding tissue, called stardust, illuminating the whole of my calf muscle as you can see in the image below.
This was no surprise to me as my calf is the largest part of my lymphoedematous leg and very difficult to reduce the size and severity of swelling.
What was a surprise, however, was the imaging showed that there were effective lymphatic channels on the outside of my thigh that moved the die to the centre of my mons pubis before travelling across to the right hip region. It was confirmed that my lymphoedema had not spread to my abdomen, genitals or right leg, which was such a huge relief. It was a surprise because of the amount of scarring and fibrosis around my left inguinal area, due to removal of lymph nodes during surgery for a suspected strangulated hernia and then lymph node transfer surgery, moving nodes from my neck to my left inguinal area. I presumed that this area had been damaged beyond repair, but there it was, the die was moving successfully along the channels. The issue, therefore, remains in my calf and knee. In the subsequent report, it states ‘No inguinal lymph nodes were visible to the left or right side. There was no evidence of Belgrade, axilla or sacral pathways.
Jane and Stacy checked progress of the ICG die movement twice more during the first day, recording their findings for reference, in addition to drawing with a black pen, where the channels were working which would assist with targeted manual lymphatic drainage massage.
I was then asked not to wear compression for 24 hours so that the die could continue its journey overnight. The first day was incredibly informative and reassuring for me to know that my lymphoedema had not spread and that I could clearly see the working channels and where the blockages are. Both objectives were achieved.
It felt very strange not wearing compression for 24 hours I have to say, and it was somewhat unnerving that my left leg would swell without my Class 4S stocking on. Jane and Stacy would continue the scanning on the morning of day two, to see if there were any new findings, again recording the lymph flow from my foot to abdomen.
After a second phase of monitoring, Stacy and Jane had obtained sufficient information to provide me with advice on how best to manage and maximise lymphatic drainage using FG-MLD (Fluoroscopy Guided Manual Lymphatic Drainage) Fill and Flush techniques helped by two different shaped massage devices that looked like stress balls. It was suggested that I change compression garments from a single leg stocking to full length tights with waist band on the left side, incorporating shorts on the right side.
A couple of weeks later, I received a detailed written report containing an explanation of their findings, along with images and videos of the scans taken over the two days. An additional document provided advice and instructions on how to maximise drainage.
More detailed and ‘professional’ information about ICG Imaging is on the LymphVision website ICG IMAGING | Lymphvision and other services that are available, including FG-MLD can be found here OUR SERVICES | Lymphvision
May I take this opportunity to thank Jane, Stacy and the team for an enlightening and motivational experience. I highly recommend arranging a consultation with LymphVision to see if ICG Imaging is right for you.
HEAD & NECK LYMPHOEDEMA SURVEY RESULTS
By Mary Fickling and Julie Soroczyn Directors, PhysioPod® UK Limited
We are writing to share our preliminary Phase 1 findings and to say a massive thank you to you and the Lymphoedema United community. (For your info, the original article featured in the October Newsletter https://lymphoedemaunited.com/information/newsletter/volume-17-october-2025/)
As an independent service evaluation, we successfully captured detailed, real-world insights from 84 respondents across the UK. Because your membership uniquely encompasses the full spectrum of the lymphoedema community, we wanted to specifically thank the patients (19%), private therapists (31%), and NHS professionals (50%) who took the time to share their experiences. Your grassroots support was instrumental in capturing this impressive “strength of feeling” regarding the systemic barriers to care and the real-world management of Head and Neck Lymphoedema (HNL).
You can read the full Phase 1 Analysis report here: https://www.physiopod.co.uk/phase-1-analysis-uk-treatments-and-experiences-of-head-and-neck-lymphoedema-hnl-survey-results.shtml
The data provided such “strong signals” of unmet need that Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial/Head & Neck Surgeon, Mr Neil Shah, has agreed to lead a formal Phase 2 academic research initiative. Phase 2 will use clinically validated tools, such as the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), to translate these community signals into robust, peer-reviewed evidence.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support and for helping us bring these urgent patient needs to the forefront.
Warmest wishes,
Mary Fickling and Julie Soroczyn
To find out more about the PhysioPod product range, visit https://lymphoedemaunited.com/physiopod-uk-ltd/
Bitesize News
Available Now
Top Tip
Spring has sprung! Time to get that lymph pumping with gentle movement such as walking, swimming, stretching, dancing, heel raises, deep breathing and arm extensions. https://lymphoedemaunited.com/information/looking-after-yourself/
Lymphoedema Research Fund
Target: £500,000
Raised: £340,167*
Date: 31st March 2026
* from all sources, not just Lymphoedema United
Available Now
Top Tip
Spring has sprung! Time to get that lymph pumping with gentle movement such as walking, swimming, stretching, dancing, heel raises, deep breathing and arm extensions. https://lymphoedemaunited.com/information/looking-after-yourself/
Lymphoedema Research Fund
Target: £500,000
Raised: £340,167*
Date: 31st March 2026
* from all sources, not just Lymphoedema United
Helping you to LIVE BETTER with LYMPHOEDEMA
Medical Advice Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
All material on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regime and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Reliance on any information provided on this website, by our employees and others appearing on the website is solely at your own risk.
For the avoidance of any doubt, Matt Hazledine has lymphoedema and is not a medical professional.