"I Just Care. That's All" - Remembering The Wonderful Dee Stringer

It is with the greatest sadness that Julie and I share this tribute to our dear friend and extraordinary colleague, Dee Stringer. Dee was an absolute force of nature in the lymphoedema and lipoedema communities, known for her miraculous results and her simple, beautiful philosophy: "I just care. That's all". We invite you to read our memories of her profound kindness, her fierce dedication to her patients, and the wonderfully wicked sense of humour we will forever miss.

Dee Stringer

It is with the greatest sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend and colleague, Dee Stringer. Dee was an absolute force of nature to both Julie and I and to the wider lymphoedema and lipoedema communities.

Dee’s passion for helping others was simply unmatched. Operating from her beautiful practice in Kent, she dedicated herself to holistic management of pain and swelling, providing comfort and care to those in need. Her results were nothing short of miraculous.

When asked why she pushed herself so hard for her patients, going above and beyond to treat people who had been ignored by the system, Dee simply said, 'I just care. That's all'.

That immense heart extended far beyond her clinic; she even spent her Christmas Day providing free treatments to the homeless in Canterbury. This simple but profound philosophy resonated deeply with everyone she met. The community remembers her not just for her exceptional skills that changed so many lives but for the profound kindness, warmth, and genuine care she poured into her work.

She was deeply devoted to the lymphoedema and lipoedema communities, treating each person with a compassionate, 'no fuss' attitude that immediately put them at ease. Her passion was unmistakable, and her smile could light up any room. For Dee, it was never just a job; it was a calling to bring comfort and healing to those who needed it most, and that legacy of pure, unselfish care will forever stick in the memories of those she helped.

Behind her extraordinary work was her partner, Andy. Dee consistently referred to him as the ultimate "love of my life" and her "rock", the one who brought solace at the end of a long, tiring day.

Working with Dee was an absolute joy, largely because of her wicked, irreverent sense of humour. We will never forget the immense fun we had with her, perfectly captured in moments like these:

When she was nervously travelling to London to present her revolutionary findings to a massive audience, she texted us from the train to say she had her "Big girl's knickers on" and her pink trainers and was surrounded by loud, brash brats!

In another message, when she bought her campervan to go off and make memories on the weekends, she left us with the fabulous, enduring image of her driving off with her "hair flowing in the wind, lippy on, sounds blaring out".

Dee was a fierce, unapologetic protector of her patients. She had absolutely zero tolerance for incompetence, especially from careless surgeons who failed to understand the lymphatic system and left her patients in pain. She famously—and frequently—dismissed these so-called experts as absolute "cockwombles".

It was a favourite insult of hers, one she also freely applied to Boris Johnson when he gave contradictory, dangerous advice on the news during the lockdown.

You always knew exactly where you stood with Dee, and if you were acting like a "cockwomble", she’d be the first to let you know!

Patch Adams

Her immense capacity for care extended to her beloved little Shih Tzu puppy, Patch Adams. When poor Patch was diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia, Dee's caring instinct immediately took over. Because he wouldn't tolerate her usual therapy machines, she decided the only logical step was to enrol herself in a pet therapy course just so she could give him a proper "dogassage"!

The essence of Dee is beautifully reflected in the outpouring of messages from her community. She has been remembered as "an amazing no fuss lady," someone who "oozed kindness and warmth," and a woman whose "devotion to Lymphoedema will always stick in my memory". Another friend perfectly noted that she "had a smile that lit up a room".

Right to the very end, Dee’s bravery was astounding. She fought her illness with the same strength, humour, and unique stubbornness that made her so remarkable in life.

If she is looking over us today, the message from Julie and I is this: Thank you for making working with you so pleasurable, and thank you from us, for all the people whose lives you changed. We simply adored you, Dee, and you leave a big gaping hole in our community. Rest in peace, my darling.

With love, Mary and Julie

Sisters and Directors, PhysioPod® UK

• Service: 1:00 pm on the 10th of April at Memoria Faversham and Mid Kent Memorial Park and Crematorium.
• Wake: Following the service at Chestfield Barn (CT5 3LU). Everyone is welcome, but please let Andy know in advance if you plan to attend the wake.
• Dress Code: Please wear a little purple or violet in honour of Dee.
• Flowers and Donations: If you would like to arrange flowers or make a donation, please contact Woollard & Kent on 01227 772300.