Fundraiser for Those suffering from Lymphodema

For those who know a member of my family currently suffers from a condition called Lymphodema , that unfortunately is getting worse with age. There is a distinct lack of awareness about the condition , and as such treatments are extremely rare and limited. I am looking to fundraise in order to purchase a piece of equipment that can be used at home that will not cure the condition but will make life easier for those living with it. Should this prove a success then we will be looking to expand the campaign sometime in the near future.

I will be arranging a series of fundraising events over the next few months to assist with the target however general donations will also be welcomed. The First event is a charity football game taking place on 21st August 2016.

Lymphoedema is caused by a problem with the lymphatic system. This is a network of vessels and glands distributed throughout the body. Its major functions are helping to fight infection and drain excess fluid from tissues.

Abnormal development of the lymphatic system, damage to it, and/or an increase in fluid in the body tissues can all lead to lymphoedema.

There are two main types of lymphoedema:

• primary lymphoedema – caused by faulty genes affecting the development of the lymphatic system; it can develop at any age, but usually occurs in early adulthood
• secondary lymphoedema – caused by damage to the lymphatic system or problems with the movement and drainage of fluid in the lymphatic system, often due to an infection, injury, cancer treatment, inflammation of the limb or a lack of limb movement