New treatment helps Margherita dance again  | Royal Free Charity

New treatment helps Margherita dance again 

16 June 2025 
A woman with short brown hair smiles while sitting cross-legged on a bed or cushion in a softly lit room. She is wearing a dark grey t-shirt with text and an orange scarf around her neck.
Margherita, from Enfield, is one of the first patients to have this new treatment. 
A north London patient receiving palliative care can dance again thanks to specialist massage therapy provided by the Royal Free Charity. 

Margherita Serpagli had lymph nodes removed during her treatment for breast cancer in 2018 and has since had swelling in her arm caused by lymphoedema. 

Lymphoedema is caused by a malfunction of the lymphatic system, leading to swelling due to a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues. 

After six sessions of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) – a series of techniques that help to drain fluid – Margherita said she can dance again. 

The charity’s therapists had specialist training to learn the techniques for MLD. 

Rozalia, one of our therapists delivering training to ease lymphoedema symptoms. 

Rozalia, a Royal Free Charity therapist who treated Margherita, said: ​“It brings enormous relief to patients like Margherita. They are more comfortable and as a result, we feel we can help prevent some readmissions to hospital. 

“Early intervention can dramatically improve quality of life and now that’s happening here, on-site, where our patients already receive their care.” 

Margherita, from Enfield, added: ​“You relax the minute you lie down. I think the therapists are so important to the whole hospital system.” 

Patients with lymphoedema can have six free sessions which is available via a referral from their clinical care team. 

Benefits of MLD 

Azmina Rose, personalised cancer care lead for the Royal Free London, said: ​“For those patients with cancer who develop lymphoedema, it can really impact the activities of daily living. In Margherita’s case, the build-up of fluid caused the affected arm to feel heavy, tight and stiff, and her movement was restricted. 

“The compression garments – very tight sleeves, socks, wraps or bandages – used to help manage lymphoedema can be uncomfortable and hot. Having lymphoedema also affects body image because people can feel self-conscious that one limb is larger than the other. ”

“They often need to wear different clothing to accommodate the swollen limb, such as wider-sleeved tops or wide-legged trousers. And my patients find it particularly distressing when personally significant jewellery, such as a treasured wedding ring or a cherished wristwatch, no longer fit. ”

“While the NHS provides services for lymphoedema, there are long wating lists in some areas. That’s why our patients are fortunate to have access to this new MLD service. 

“Alongside regular exercise and compression garments, MLD can lead to noticeable improvements. After several sessions, many patients can see, and feel, a real difference in mobility and function.” 

Lymphoedema massage 

Royal Free Charity complementary therapists have been trained in manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) to ease swelling caused by lymphoedema. MLD consists of a series of techniques that stretch the skin and empty the lymph nodes to drain fluid from the tissues. 

The massage techniques create changes in tissue pressure which helps to move fluid from the tissues to an area where it can flow more freely. 

The charity’s therapists undergo a three-day training course to learn the techniques required for MLD. They then have to pass an exam and complete a case study prior to treating patients. Treatment plans are tailored to the specific needs of the individual. 

Filling a gap in lymphoedema care

While the NHS provides some lymphoedema services, access to MLD can be limited by geography or eligibility criteria. The new Royal Free Charity service bridges that gap, offering patients direct, integrated care in the hospital environment which is a rare model of charity-NHS collaboration. 

For Royal Free London patients, the service provides vital support close to home. 

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