Biography

I first qualified in massage, anatomy and physiology, and aromatherapy in 1990 and continued my studies with the Clare Maxwell-Hudson School of Massage where I learnt skills in more advanced massage, deep tissue massage and manual lymphatic drainage.

Much of my early massage training involved voluntary work in a variety of medical settings for example in a cardiac outpatients department and for the Stroke Association.

In the past I have also taught massage and aromatherapy and provided on-site massage for office workers.

After qualifying in manual lymphatic drainage and combined decongestive therapy at the Dr Vodder School in Austria, I then focused on manual lymphatic drainage and the treatment of lymphoedema. I continue to review and update my training by regularly attending courses of the Dr Vodder School and the Föeldi college. I've worked in a number of clinics and hospitals within the charity and private sector and for 10 years co-ran a lymphoedema clinic for breast cancer patients at the Cancerkin Centre, Royal Free Hospital, London.

Over the last year I've qualified as an Oncology Scar Specialist and completed an in-depth 'Understanding Scars' online course with Emma Holly's Restore Therapy School. The knowledge and techniques I've gained from these courses are appropriate for any type of scar not just those related to oncology.

I am a member of MLDuk, the British Lymphology Society, Lymphoedema Support Network and Lipoedema UK.