L-W-O Community supports primary and secondary lymphoedema by promoting emotional wellness, lymphatic health, self-care, patient empowerment, online and in the community.
Welcome to L-W-O Community.
Patient-Led Community
Supporting everyone affected by lymphoedema.
We are a patient-led community grounded in accessible knowledge, compassionate advocacy, and shared empathy. Newly diagnosed individuals, long-term carers, and changemakers all shape and strengthen this community.
We aim to empower.
Discover patient-designed resources that empower you to manage lymphoedema. Navigate this website, follow our social media updates, and explore practical insights on our YouTube channel.
Welcome to the L-W-O Community website! My name is Gaynor Leech, and I have been living with lymphoedema since 2011. We share practical insights that help you live well with lymphoedema. Here, you'll find non-medical information and support designed to empower and inform you on your journey. We invite you to explore and connect with others sharing similar experiences.
The L-W-O Community provides helpful hyperlinks to sources and organisations you may find valuable. Visit our carefully compiled signposting page.
Since its founding in 2013, the L-W-O Community has grown into a supportive network of 4,500 people affected by lymphoedema. We aim to show that with the right resources and strategies, lymphoedema management can be significantly improved, even when supported self-care is limited in healthcare systems like the NHS. The L-W-O Community empowers individuals by providing valuable insights and practical strategies for effective self-management, enriching daily life and overall well-being.
We empower you to manage lymphoedema effectively. Together, we can make a positive impact on your lymphatic health.
According to estimates, 450,000 people in the UK are now receiving treatment for lymphoedema (Source British Lymphology Society).
For years, myths about lymphoedema have persisted, but our mission at L-W-O is to dispel them. We empower you with a holistic self-management approach, enabling you to make informed decisions tailored to your unique needs.
Check out the BLS Myth Buster here...
Look out for #MythBuster on each webpage
L-W-O Community is here for you; come join our welcoming Facebook support group and chat with members who can relate to you. Come join us here.
Support for people living with lymphoedema is essential because the condition affects far more than physical health; it influences confidence, daily routines, emotional wellbeing, and a person’s sense of being understood. Many people feel isolated or overlooked, especially when services are limited or inconsistent. Having a place where lymphoedema is recognised, validated, and openly discussed helps individuals feel less alone and more empowered to manage their condition.
L‑W‑O Community provides that support through a friendly, lived‑experience online group where members can connect, share practical tips, and encourage one another. Alongside this peer support, our website offers clear, accessible resources on lymphoedema, lymphatic health, and emotional wellbeing, all designed to help people understand their condition and feel more confident in managing it. Together, the support group and the website create a safe, reliable space where members can learn, connect, and feel genuinely supported.
Chatterbox
Our latest Chatterbox newsletter is ready for you, full of updates, stories, and helpful information from across the L‑W‑O Community.
It’s also the perfect moment to revisit past editions you may have missed and catch up on everything we’ve been sharing. Take a look and let us know what you think.
Contact Us
A note from our community:
Most of this website is freely available to everyone, reflecting our commitment to open support and shared learning. For those who choose to join our exclusive L-W-O subscribers’ group with a yearly subscription, we offer access to additional resources, heartfelt content, and opportunities that go beyond the public space, including future chat sessions and more ways to connect.
Your subscription helps us grow, deepen our impact, and continue creating safe, empowering spaces for everyone living with lymphoedema. If you’re ready to unlock the full experience and walk alongside us in this next chapter, we’d love to welcome you.
You can subscribe here
Thank you for visiting our website and standing with L-W-O Community in raising awareness of the everyday challenges faced by those living with lymphoedema. Your support helps us amplify voices, foster understanding, and build a more compassionate future.
Gaynor Leech
Founder and Patient Advocate of L-W-O Community
Testimonials
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share a testimonial for L‑W‑O Community. Each message is more than kind words; it’s a reminder of why this work matters and how powerful patient voices can be when they’re heard and valued.
Your reflections help strengthen the community, guide others who may be struggling, and honour the spirit of support that L‑W‑O was built on. I hold that generosity close and appreciate every person who has chosen to share their experience.
Thank you
Gaynor Leech
Page first published 2013.
Last Updated: October 2026
Next Review: October 2028