The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fife woman’s fiancé and mother-in-law are for the high jump
Family duo raising funds for treatment to rare medical condition
A Fife woman’s future husband and mother-in-law are jumping out of a plane to help her get treatment for a misunderstood medical condition.
Kirkcaldy dental nurse Shelly Friel, 31, has lipoedema, which causes abnormal deposits of fat cells around the limbs.
As well as causing pain and discomfort, Shelly said it has also affected her confidence.
Despite the condition becoming worse since she had her baby boy Ollie last year, she said her symptoms were not severe enough for surgery on the NHS.
She is now planning to travel to Germany for private treatment and is expected to undergo two operations, in May and August next year. The cost will be just over £10,000, which Shelly said was much cheaper than seeking private treatment in the UK.
To help pay for the treatment, fiancé James Clark, 35, and his mum Jessie, 59, are taking on a fundraising skydive on October 27.
They have set up a page called “Shelly’s lipoedema journey” on the GoFundMe website.
“It’s amazing that they’re doing this and trying to help,” said Shelly.
“I’m just really proud of them. “I’m so nervous for James. I honestly couldn’t think of anything scarier.”
It is hoped that, following the operations, Shelly will be able to control her lipoedema with compression garments and a healthy lifestyle.
At the moment, the condition is getting in the way of her daily life.
She said there was a lack of knowledge about the condition and it was often misdiagnosed, despite it affecting up to 11% of women worldwide.
“It’s worse in the summer months,” said Shelly.
“For me, my skin always feels so tight. The only way to describe it is it’s like my skin is going to explode. It’s sore to walk on and if I’m on my legs all day they really do ache.”
What causes the condition is not known, however it appears to be affected by hormones.
She added: “I think it’s misdiagnosed a lot. Every doctor I spoke to had no idea what lipoedema was.”
Donations can be made via gofundme. com/f/shellys-lipoedema-journey
“It’s amazing that they’re doing this and trying to help. I’m just really proud of them. SHELLY FRIEL