Former nurse Helen Hunter from Southsea has embarked on a 67-mile walk around the Isle of Wight’s coastline despite suffering from lymphoedema.
She had to give up work when she developed the condition following successful treatment for cancer of the womb.
Helen and her husband Dave are walking to raise money for the Lymphoedema Support Network and increase awareness of the long-term condition that’s thought to affect around 200,000 people in the UK.
Helens says:
“This is a personal challenge. I find walking painful because lymphoedema causes swelling in my legs, but I’m determined to complete the trek to highlight the disease.
“Many doctors haven’t heard of it and it is often mis-diagnosed. It can be treated but there isn’t a cure.”
Keith Greenfield, Chief Executive of Wightlink, says:
“We are very impressed with Helen’s bravery and were delighted to support her and Dave on their coastal walk. We are sure their efforts will inform many people about lymphoedema.
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The Hunters are staying in a hotel on the Isle of Wight and setting out by bus each day to complete each stage of the walk.
Helen’s fundraising page can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-hunter58.
Helen sounds adorable. I’m 62, with primary lymphoedema for the last 15 years or so – didn’t have to have cancer first, phew! And lucky enough to enjoy almost painless walking – brilliant for keeping the swelling under control. But I’d be lost without my compression stockings, and so few GPs understand the condition and k ow how to prescribe them. So I salute Helen and her initiative to support LSN’s important work.
Susi
Hi Susi. Thank you but believe me I am definitely not adorable!!! I do usually suffer from constant pain but amazingly I found that the walking really helped. It was a struggle at times but the pain was nowhere near as bad as it usually is. I am trying to keep up brisk walking daily now that I am home. It costs nothing and is actually quite enjoyable. We were really touched by the support and generosity of strangers on the walk. Several people asked what we were doing and about the condition and some even donated.Hope you find some relief for the pain too. Take care. Helen.