Hospice
Fundraising
In 2021, Malcolm could barely walk a few hundred yards without being in agony.
Countless GP visits left him frustrated, until he was finally referred to St Oswald’s Hospice Lymphoedema Service and was diagnosed with venous eczema and Lymphoedema.
Malcolm’s Lymphoedema, a long-term condition, caused painful swelling that made it hard for him to move around. He also had venous eczema, a skin condition caused by poor circulation, which left the skin on his legs dry, itchy, and sore.
Both conditions made everyday life a real struggle.
He explained: “Before coming to St Oswald’s Hospice my legs were really swollen, and it was painful to move. I was getting sores that kept blistering and breaking.
“Every week I had to go to the GP to get them bandaged up. It was frustrating because no one seemed to know why.”
On top of that, Malcolm was struggling with his mental health and alcohol addiction. Plus, lockdown had also made things harder since he couldn’t get out much – it was a tough time.
He explained: “I was quite unwell, and that’s when I knew I had to make a change. I decided to get back into recovery from alcohol addiction. But not being able to move around made it even harder. I haven’t always been super active, but I’ve always been out and about.
“To have my mobility restricted so much was really frightening. And the fact that doctors couldn’t figure out what was going on made it even worse – it was nerve-racking. Looking back, I don’t know if I would still be clean if I hadn’t ended up coming to the Hospice.”
Malcolm credits St Oswald’s Hospice for turning things around. He said:
“The nurse I saw figured out straight away what it was. She prescribed me with some different creams to look after my legs and compression stockings.
“Honestly, the difference was outstanding! In just two months, I’d lost two litres of fluid from my legs – I couldn’t believe it!”
Malcolm continued following the care plan the team had shared with him.
He said: “At first, I struggled with the stockings, but once I got used to them, I felt the difference straight away. My legs weren’t as tight, and walking became so much easier. I still wear them now.”
“When I first had the issue, I couldn’t walk 100 yards without being in excruciating pain, because I had to work harder to move – it took a toll on my breathing too.
“The treatment helped pull my life back together. I was already in recovery from alcohol addiction, then I got my legs sorted and everything just fell into place.
“I was also struggling with sleep apnoea, but after being treated at the Hospice, I went from waking up 75 times an hour to less than once an hour.
After six months, Malcolm’s Lymphoedema and venous eczema had improved so much that he was discharged from the service.
Kath Clark, Matron of Day Services at St Oswald’s Hospice, said:
“Lymphoedema is a chronic lifelong condition, but with the right treatment, support, and self-management, people can regain their independence and live full, active lives – Malcolm is proof of that. We’re so proud of how far he’s come.”
Getting his life back
With his legs feeling better, Malcolm started thinking about his overall health. He realised how much he needed a positive focus.
He explained: “I was already clean by this point, but I still felt a bit lost. Then, a mate suggested coming along to parkrun. I thought, ‘Me? Running? No chance.’ But I gave it a go.”
“That first run was a game-changer. I was a bit sheepish at first, getting clapped at as I crossed the finish line, but the sense of community was incredible.
“Everyone was so supportive. Now, the guys I run with are just lush – absolutely nuts, but lush. We push each other and just have a laugh.”
Since then, Malcolm hasn’t looked back. In April 2024, he completed his first 10K race, something he never thought he’d be able to do.
Kath Clark, Matron of Day Services, added:
“When he first came to us, he was really struggling – not just physically, but emotionally too. To see him now, running 10Ks and embracing life with such energy, is just fantastic.”
Taking on a new challenge
Now, Malcolm is setting himself an even bigger challenge:
“To mark the anniversary of my first parkrun, I’m planning 10 races in different places around the UK – the first nine will be on back-to-back weekends!”
Giving back to St Oswald’s Hospice
Malcolm’s journey has been life-changing, and now he wants to give back to the place that helped him turn things around. To say thank you, he’s using his running challenge to raise money for St Oswald’s Hospice.
Malcolm explained: “If I hadn’t been referred to St Oswald’s Hospice, I don’t know where I’d be. The care and support I’ve received have made a huge difference in my life.”
He added: “Every step I take in these races is for the hospice. They gave me my life back, and now I want to help them do the same for others.”
It’s Lymphoedema Awareness Week!
St Oswald’s Hospice offers specialist patient-centric care for adults, young people, babies and children with life limiting conditions.
In 2023-2024, we supported 2,556 people through our Lymphoedema Service, providing expert care, treatment, and advice to help them manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
If you’d like to donate to support more people like Malcolm, please follow this link: https://www.stoswaldsuk.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/
Every donation counts – thanks so much for making a difference!
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