Childrens Lymphoedema Specialist Interest Group Event "Lymphaletics 2014" Fundra ising Update from PhysioPod UK Limited Gareth

Dixon, Fitness Coach at David Lloyd Nottingham, Mary Fickling, Director a t PhysioPod UK Limited and Marie Todd, Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist have complet ed their current challenges to raise funds. Nottingham, England, October 15, 2013 -- Gareth Dixon, Fitness Coach at David Ll oyd Nottingham, Mary Fickling, Director at PhysioPod UK Limited and Marie Todd, Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist have completed their current challenges to raise fu nds towards the National Children's Lymphaletics Day, 13th September 2014 at The Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield. The Children s Lymphoedema Special Interest Group, (CLSIG) are a volunteer group of Lymphoedema Specialists who work closely with the Lymphoedema Support Network (L SN) to promote lymphoedema services and support for children with this condition . The members are all health care professionals who are directly involved in treat ing children of this kind. As well as providing direct care and support, they al so want to promote awareness of the condition, promote the provision of effectiv e services and ensure that patients and families of children with the condition are provided with the help and information that they need. Until recently servic es have only been available for adults, however there are now some clinics aroun d the country that specifically provide treatment for children. Lymphoedema is a n incurable condition that can cause swelling of any part of the body and can be very disfiguring. It is not life limiting but children often find that they can not join in with sports or competitive activities because of their swollen limb. It is a relatively rare condition so children are unlikely to meet others who h ave the same problems. The mainstay of treatment is to wear compression garments to the affected arms or legs but this often causes embarrassment, name-calling or loss of confidence it s hard enough being a teenager without the added difficulties of lymphoedema! It is becoming apparent that there could be many more children who suffer from this but who do not get referred. This means that by the time th ey reach young adulthood they are already have complications that are irreversib le. CLSIG want to provide a special day for children and families with lymphoedema s o that they can meet each other and share activities that are fun and in which t hey will have a chance to win. Exercise and sport helps control this condition c onsiderably but CLSIG need to promote this to children and their families, and b uild up their confidence, in an environment where they can get together with oth er children who are having the same issues. CLSIG aim to strengthen their coping and adaptation strategies. CLSIG wish to seek wider promotion for the day to ra ise awareness among the public about the condition and in this way help more peo ple to find out they can get treatment. Can you help? It is hoped that for the second National Lymphaletics Day next year on 13th September 2014 that around 100 families from around the UK are to join in a fun day of spo rt and activities in Sheffield, in a supportive environment to promote confidenc e, quality of life, exercise and facilitate peer support on a national basis. The Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield is booked for 13th Sept ember 2014 and now CLSIG have the mammoth task of ensuring that they can finance it. They want to be able to provide this day free of charge to children and the ir families, and overnight accommodation for those travelling greater distances. CLSIG have the dedication, passion and enthusiasm to make sure this project is a great success for the children but with support, involvement and financial ass

istance they can realise this dream! They aim to provide various sporting activities t hat children of all abilities can take part in, and also provide rewards for all those taking part to bring a sense of achievement no matter what their limitati ons. They will also be doing an educational session so families can learn as much as th ey can from the professionals available (and from each other) and they hope to h ave a keynote speaker on the day. This educational session will hopefully be sup ported with an exhibition of lymphoedema products/equipment that is used to trea t the condition. Children and their families will be able to see just what products are available , which will give them more choice and opportunities to discuss the options open to them at this time. This whole day is about teamwork and achievement! CLSIG really want this to be a fun day for the children and their families, but also want to raise these child ren s expectations of what they can achieve and build up their confidence in joining in sports and team activities. Lymphoedema management for children in the UK is greatly under resourced to date and by raising awareness of the condition will help to make sure that all children who have this condition access appropriate t reatment. Please help CLSIG in their goal in supporting children with lymphoedema. Contact Denise Hardy for more information Please support the Lymphaletics cause at: http://www.gofundme.com/Lymphaletics2014 ABOUT US: UK and The Republic of Ireland Exclusive Distributors for DEEP OSCILLATION thera py, a proven therapy for lymphoedema care and maintenance. Contact: Mary Fickling PhysioPod UK Limited Sherbrook Road, Daybrook Nottingham, NG5 6AS 0-115-916-7685 info@physiopod.co.uk http://www.physiopod.co.uk