Charity funding allows cancer patients to receive specialist lymphoedema care

The Orange Foundation donates £8,118.00 to St Catherine’s Hospice Lymphoedema Clinic

11 Local cancer patients have received fully funded treatment from St Catherine’s Hospice Lymphoedema Clinic thanks to The Orange Foundation charity.

The Preston-based Orange Foundation charity, which provides practical support to people living with cancer, has so far donated to the Clinic, which is based within the grounds of St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall.

The 13 people who have benefitted from the treatment are dealing with cancer related lymphoedema, a condition which affects how our lymphatic system drains fluid from our bodies. The treatment includes drainage, bandaging, laser therapy, and compression pumps, depending on the individual, and can reduce swelling and pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life.

One beneficiary, Marie, from Much Hoole, is recovering from cancer and had a course of treatment at the beginning of this year. She is now receiving a further course of laser to reduce swelling in her face and neck.

She said: “The ladies at the Clinic were so kind and they reassured me throughout the procedure. Being able to have this treatment has really helped reduce the swelling in my face and neck and enable me to do my own roller massage because the skin was much softer.

“I have been struggling with a hoarse voice following the cancer treatment and the lymphoedema treatment really helped and made a difference to this, I am having some laser treatment in May and I am hoping this will help even more.”

Another patient who has received treatment from the Clinic, Howard from Leyland, is on his second lot of treatment. He explained: “On a six month check up with my dentist she spotted an issue and I was diagnosed with cancer in my tonsils. Following treatment, coming to the clinic greatly reduced the swelling in my throat. The swelling was affecting my confidence and having it so well under control has made a big difference to me.”

Tracy Earley, Nursing Director for St Catherine’s Hospice said: “As part of our comprehensive and compassionate services for local people, St Catherine’s delivers medical outpatient assessment and complex symptom management at the Woodside Clinic. This includes managing the symptoms of cancer and non-cancer related lymphoedema.

“The support of The Orange Foundation is hugely appreciated, by the patients of course but also by our team, as we put a high value on charitable collaborations. Our running costs are over £8m and we receive only £2.4m of that from the NHS, making community and individual supporter generosity vital.”

The Orange Foundation hopes to continue working with St Catherine’s to fund more lymphoedema treatment for people living with cancer.

Orange Foundation Trustee Jane Dew added: “We’re proud to support St Catherine’s Hospice and make a practical difference to people living with cancer. Lymphoedema treatment can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life so knowing that our support has helped people manage pain, regain mobility and feel more comfortable is incredibly rewarding.”