We are raising money for Melissa as she has recently been diagnosed with Stage 2 Lipoedema.

Lipoedema is a progressive condition that causes adipose deposits to grow, multiply and harden in cells from the waist down. It causes painful swelling of the limbs which increases over time and eventually results in a loss of mobility.

The condition is not affected by diet or exercise and the only treatment is a targeted form of liposuction that removes the affected cells. This is an extremely under recognised condition and there are only 3 surgeons in the UK who can perform this treatment and less than 20 specialists worldwide.

When the condition is allowed to progress it can lead to lymphedema, metabolic syndrome, extreme pain and disfigurement due to some limbs being oversized and in some scenario’s a complete loss of mobility in the legs.

Unfortunately, despite the serious side effects and the fact that the World Health Organisation has recognised Lipoedema as a medical condition since the 1940’s, the NHS and private insurance companies still view this treatment as a cosmetic procedure and therefore will not cover the cost.

This leaves Melisss in the position of having to come up with the approximate cost of going abroad for the surgery which will be approximately £15-20,000 depending on how much tissue needs to be taken.
Any amount you can give would be so greatly appreciated and would bring Melissa a step closer to this life-altering operation.

We will also be actively trying to organise fundraising events in the coming months so please keep an eye open for this information and please do share this post to raise much needed awareness of Lipoedema.

You can find out more about Lipoedema and the debilitating effects of the condition at

http://www.lipoedema.co.uk/