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Growing up, Ivanna struggled with Lipoedema, a chronic condition that causes abnormal fat build-up, often leading to pain, swelling and difficulty with movement.
This made Ivanna feel different from others her age. She explained:
“I remember trying to put my pyjamas on after a bath when I was younger and just not being able to get them over my legs. My Mam didn’t know what was going on.
“We went to so many doctors, but no one had answers, everyone just kept telling me to lose weight, even though I did sports like taekwondo and kept as fit as I could.”
As time went on, the physical symptoms of Lipoedema grew debilitating for Ivanna. Her legs felt heavy, tight, and she was constantly in pain. She said:
I didn’t really leave the house much. I’d sit in the garden reading because even walking around felt too hard.”
It wasn’t until Ivanna was 19 that she finally received a diagnosis of Lipoedema and was referred to St Oswald’s Hospice Lymphoedema Service for treatment.
She shared:
“Getting that diagnosis was life-changing. For so long, I thought it was my fault. I spent years hiding my legs, avoiding PE at school, and missing out on so much.
“But since getting the right treatment and support from St Oswald’s Hospice, it feels like I’ve been given a whole new lease on life. I feel stronger, more confident, and in control.
“I don’t hide my legs anymore. I wear shorts, I go out, and I talk openly about it. I used to be so embarrassed, but now I just want people to know they’re not alone, if they’re going through something similar.”
Kath Clark, Matron of Day Services and Lymphoedema specialist said:
“We’re so proud to support people like Ivanna, who are living with Lipoedema. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the tailored treatment and care we provide can help them manage their symptoms and lead fuller, more confident lives.”
Helping others along the way
Ivanna now runs a fitness and nutrition club and has been able to use her own experiences to help others. She shared:
“One of my friends mam’s joined my nutrition club, and after talking with her, I realised she had symptoms of Lipoedema and Lymphoedema. She’d been struggling for years without a diagnosis.
“I shared what I’d learned at St Oswald’s Hospice, and she was referred to the Lymphoedema Service, where they confirmed the diagnosis.
“Now, with the right treatment and compression, she’s made incredible progress. Her legs have gone down by five centimetres each, she’s in much less pain, and work is easier for her now.”
The support of St Oswald’s Hospice
Ivanna continues to visit St Oswald’s Hospice for check-ups, as her Lipoedema still flares up from time to time. But now, she feels more in control and able to manage the condition alongside other challenges like hypermobility.
“The hospice has been such a lifeline for me,” she said. “Before I came here, I could barely move. I used to spend most of my time sitting around because it was just too painful. My mental health wasn’t in a great place, either.””
For Ivanna, the care she’s received at St Oswald’s Hospice hasn’t just been physical – it’s had a holistic and emotional impact, too. She explained:
Getting my diagnosis and treatment has helped me to accept my condition and even embrace it, rather than letting it control my life.”
A message to others…
Ivanna has a message for others who may be worried about coming to St Oswald’s Hospice for Lymphoedema or Lipoedema treatment:
“Just do it! There’s no strange feeling or funny smells like people think,” Ivanna said with a cheeky smile. “It’s a really welcoming place. The staff make you feel like family, and it’s somewhere you can really focus on getting better.
“Their work has impacted not only my life but other people’s too. I’d never hesitate to recommend St Oswald’s Hospice to anyone who needs support.”
We couldn’t provide the specialist care that we do for our patients, children and young adults without our fantastic supporters.
If you’d like to make a donation so we can continue to provide ‘Quality time for everyone’, please make a donation here.
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