Landmark £4.8 Million Donation to Transform Lymphoedema Research and Care
05 November 2025
Lymphoedema is a chronic and often debilitating condition characterised by persistent swelling and increased risk of recurrent infections due to failure of the lymphatic system. Affecting an estimated 250 million people worldwide, it remains one of the most neglected areas of medicine, with few treatment options and limited awareness among healthcare professionals.
This extraordinary donation will fund an ambitious, multi-year research and clinical programme at City St George’s, University of London and St George’s Hospital one of the world’s leading centres for lymphoedema and lymphatic disease.
The new funding will enable the expansion of cutting-edge genetic research, the development of new drug therapies, improved diagnostic techniques, and enhanced education and training for future lymphatic specialists.
A gift inspired by Gemma Levine’s passion and advocacy
This historic gift was directly inspired by the work and advocacy of Gemma Levine FRSA, renowned London-born photographer, author, and campaigner for lymphoedema awareness. Gemma, who has lived with lymphoedema for 16 years, has been a tireless champion for improving understanding and care of the condition.
A long-time supporter of St George’s Hospital Charity, Gemma became an official Ambassador in November 2024. Her dedication and ability to galvanise others around this cause have been instrumental in drawing new attention and support for lymphatic medicine.
Gemma Levine’s remarkable advocacy and commitment has helped shine a light on the urgent need for lymphoedema research and has inspired transformational support for this vital cause.
Gemma said:
“When I was diagnosed with lymphoedema, my life changed overnight. I turned my energy towards raising awareness and funds for lymphoedema research at St George’s Hospital Charity. To know that this landmark donation came about because the donor heard about our work at an event I hosted at Claridge’s is one of the greatest rewards I could ever hope for. Their generosity is overwhelming—it strengthens our mission and brings renewed hope to patients and families everywhere.”
A transformational moment for lymphatic medicine
The Lymphoedema Research (LYMRES) team at St George’s Hospital and City St George’s University has already discovered more genes causing lymphoedema than any other group worldwide. This donation will now allow the team to accelerate “bench to bedside” research—turning genetic discoveries into better care for patients. It will also strengthen clinical trials and sustain critical expertise within the service.
Professor Pia Ostergaard, Professor of Human Genetics and Head of the Genetics Research Section at City St George’s, University of London, said:
“We are profoundly grateful for this extraordinary act of generosity. This gift allows us to innovate and work flexibly. It enables us to pursue blue-sky, patient-focused research and test pioneering ideas that can lead to new treatments and better care. It’s often the freedom provided by donations like this that sparks the discoveries capable of transforming lives.”
The donation will support the expansion of the LYMRES team through the creation of new posts, including postdoctoral researchers, clinical study coordinators and clinical research fellows while also supporting critical investments in equipment and data infrastructure vital to advancing their work. A new pioneering international online education programme will be further developed, the first ever open access online course dedicated to the lymphatic system and lymphoedema. This alongside a conference will further raise awareness of lymphatic disease among clinicians and scientists worldwide.
Advancing research and patient care at St George’s
The lymphoedema service at St George’s Hospital, established in 1987 by Professor Peter Mortimer, is recognised as a UK Centre of Excellence by the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) in the USA. The clinic sees thousands of patients each year from across the UK and abroad and works hand-in-hand with the academic research team to ensure that discoveries translate directly into improved patient outcomes.
Katy Vaughan, Chief Executive of St George’s Hospital Charity, said:
“This landmark donation represents a defining moment for St George’s Hospital Charity and for lymphoedema research worldwide. We are deeply honoured by the trust this donor has placed in our charity and in the world-leading team at St George’s. Their gift will not only change the future of lymphatic research but also improve care for countless patients for generations to come.”
