When a Community Comes Together - The British Lymphology Society (BLS) 40th Conference 2025
I have just returned from a few days at #BLS2025. This is an annual conference held by the British Lymphology Society (BLS) in October at the fantastic venue of Chester Racecourse.
This was my seventh conference, and from the moment I stepped through the doors, the atmosphere was alive with warmth and energy. I was greeted by familiar faces, friends who’ve been part of this journey from the very beginning. Running L-W-O online means I connect with so many wonderful people in the virtual world, but there’s something truly special about meeting those same individuals face-to-face. It’s like bringing the heart of our digital community into the real world. The buzz of shared purpose and community spirit was unmistakable.
As a patient-led group, we were side by side with our friends from The Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) and their CEO, Karen Friett, and I was delighted to meet their new chair, Helen Westropp. For the third year Matt Hazledine of Lymphoedema United and I shared a table. As patient organisations, we collaborate effortlessly, united by a shared passion for improving the lives of those living with lymphoedema.
On the first evening, we kicked things off with a warm and welcoming ‘Meet the Exhibitors’ session, where I had the pleasure of connecting with many early-arriving delegates. This year, I brought along a new set of L-W-O leaflets, including our special conference edition of Chatterbox, an updated leaflet introducing who we are (complete with QR codes linking to our website and support group), and a new set of postcards focused on well-being and sleep disorders. I also shared the PhysioPod® UK Head and Neck Lymphoedema Survey on the stand, with several visitors scanning the QR code to complete it and share it with the individuals living with HNL they support.
The following day, an early start of exhibiting before going to listen to the speakers. After the introductions I got to listen to Dr. Bernard Ho, who is a consultant in dermatology and lymphoedema at St. George’s Hospital in London. His topic is ‘Lymph and Mind: The Interface of Lymphatic Health and Mental Health.’ This was interesting because while I don’t use the term ‘mental health,’ I use the term ‘emotional health’, this is a subject I have written about extensively; you can read more here…
Throughout the day, a range of abstract submissions were presented, showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences. Professor Kristiana Gordon delivered an insightful session on genital lymphoedema, followed by a Q&A alongside Professor Vaughan Keeley. Delegates had the opportunity to submit their questions in advance, leading to a thoughtful and engaging discussion.
In the evening David and I attended the BLS 40th Birthday Celebratory Meal. Professor Peter Mortimer gave a witty speech reflecting on the last 40 years of BLS. Margaret Sneddon, who is retiring from BLS, was presented with a gift from the trustees for all her hard work and service. After dinner we had a live band.
Thank you to all the delegates who stopped by to connect and explore our resources. Your enthusiasm meant the world, and we were thrilled to see so many of you take away our materials. The postcards on well-being and sleep disorders were especially popular, proof that these conversations matter. It’s always a joy to see our work resonate so deeply with the community.
For me personally and the L-W-O Community, this conference has been a triumph. A heartfelt thank you to my wonderful husband David, who, as always, is my greatest supporter. From chauffeuring me to and from the venue to helping set up our display and packing everything away at the end. He gently reminds me not to overdo it; his support means the world.
Gaynor Leech
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Read more from Gaynor, at LWO Community in her PhysioPod® Guest Blogs
