Lymphoedema Awareness Week 2026: 'Lymphoedema Looks Like This'
- Mar 8
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Lymphoedema Awareness Week 2026: 'Lymphoedema Looks Like This'
As part of Lymphoedema Awareness Week 2026 (2nd–8th March), I collaborated with the Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) for their 'Lymphoedema Looks Like This' campaign. I was honoured to be featured on the front cover of the Spring 2026 edition of Lymph Line. Alongside this, I contributed in a post for social media featuring my ideas on what I wish people knew about living with lymphoedema. The week long campaign successfully challenged misconceptions, raised public awareness and reduced the stigma surrounding the condition. It portrayed how different lymphoedema can look on different people and shared individual strategies to support the community in managing swelling.
Below, I have written some condensed information about my journey, incase you are a new reader, as well as my top tip, biggest challenges and self management victories.
My Life with Lymphoedema
Diagnosed with primary lymphoedema affecting my right leg from toe to groin since 2016 (age 16)
Took 18 months to receive a diagnosis, navigating uncertainty during some of my most formative years
Underwent LVA surgery in 2019 with partial but valuable success
A full-time professional dancer and performer, currently working onboard cruise ships
I perform in six different shows per week, sailing around Europe
Passionate about travel and exploring new cities all over the world
Daily Management & Routine
Wear 24/7 compression
Class 3 Medi Forte thigh high compression during the day
Comfiwave compression at night
Layered toe caps and knee high compressions as needed
Even wear old compressions while swimming or in the sea
Use a Huntleigh LymphAssist every night before bed
Sleep with my legs elevated and practise simple lymphatic drainage (SLD) whenever possible
Skin care, skin care, skin care
Top Tip
Elevating the foot of my bed with two bricks. It is simple, effective and useful no matter how I sleep
Biggest Challenges
Not letting other people’s reactions affect my confidence by unapologetically wearing my compression and presenting with lymphoedema in front of an audience
Learning to accept an ever-changing body, especially during teenage years
Adjusting to new environments, new friendships and new versions of myself while learning to manage my lifelong condition
Coming to terms with the fact that lymphoedema doesn’t go away but neither will my dreams
Self-Management Victories
I perform in compression, on stage, in front of hundreds of people every day
Being so active all day can be very tiring but through consistency, determination and tireless commitment to self-care, I have continued to pursue my dream career and keep my swelling under control
My diagnosis has taught me resilience. It has never defined my limits or abilities
I refuse to let lymphoedema hold me back and will always choose to live boldly
Something I Wish People Knew About Living with Lymphoedema
For lymphies: Not everyone’s lymphoedema looks the same. Your journey is valid in its own way
For everyone: There are no days off. Lymphoedema is considered in every daily decision, plan and moment
