Lymphodoema sufferer raises money at the Jolly Farmer (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Lymphodoema sufferer raises money at the Jolly Farmer
11:30am Friday 23rd November 2012 in Local By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter
Christine Bonner, centre, at one of her fundraising events
WHEN she had successful surgery on a leg tumour that developed during pregnancy, Christine Bonner thought that was the end of the ordeal.
But 13-years later her ankle swelled up. It took six years before she was finally diagnosed with lymphodoema – a swelling that develops because of a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues. Now, the Cliddesden mother-of-two is raising awareness, and cash, to help other people with the condition.
It often develops if lymph nodes have been removed by surgery, as was the case with Christine, damaged by radiotherapy, or if a cancer is blocking them. If the lymph nodes are blocked, fluid is unable to pass through them and drain away, and therefore it builds up and causes swelling.
The condition never goes away but can be managed through treatment. Christine, 55, hopes to raise awareness of lymphodoema and generate funds for the Lymphodoema Trust Fund which helps patients in Basingstoke. Her aim is for lymphodoema patients in Basing-stoke to benefit from a massage therapy called manual lymph drainage.
She said: “It’s like the swelling is not part of you. I have to wear stockings which are so tight. It makes it harder to exercise. I used to be active and played netball.”
Christine organised a summer music event at the Jolly Farmer in Cliddesden in August that helped to raise £1,300 for the Lymphoedema Trust Fund, and the special baby care unit at Basingstoke hospital. The grandmother-of-three also raised £500 for the trust with a sponsored walk in May.
