For as long as I can remember, something about my legs never felt quite right. Since my teenage years, they’ve never looked what I thought was ‘normal’, and deep down I always knew there was a reason for it.
Several years ago, I made the decision to take control of my health. I had a gastric bypass in 2021, and went on to lose 10 stone [around 60kg]. While the rest of my body changed, my legs still didn’t reflect my weight loss in the way I had hoped. Yes, they became smaller, but they still appeared lumpy, with cuffed ankles, constant bruising, and pain that never really went away. It was frustrating and, at times, disheartening.
Getting a Diagnosis
I kept searching for answers. After numerous medical appointments, I finally received a diagnosis in October 2025 of lipoedema. My diagnosis meant that things suddenly started to make sense, but this relief was quickly countered by another challenge – I was told there is a minimum one-year waiting list to access further NHS support, and that support may not be what I expect.
I didn’t want to sit and wait, and I knew I couldn’t be the only one feeling this way. That’s when I decided to help create something positive out of my situation. I co-founded a local support group called Cheshire Lipo Ladies. We’re a community of women who support each other no matter what stage of diagnosis or journey we’re on. We organise local meet-ups, share our experiences and, most importantly, remind each other that we’re not alone.
How Pageants Boosted My Confidence
My confidence journey had actually begun before my diagnosis. Four years ago, I entered pageants as a way to rebuild my self-esteem. Taking part in pageants pushed me out of my comfort zone. They helped me start seeing myself differently, even if that meant me getting my legs out in public.
In 2024, I was crowned Pure International Elegant Ms England,and in 2025 I went on to achieve the title of Pure International Elegant Ms Great Britain. I am now preparing to travel to the US in June to compete for an international title – something I never would have imagined years ago. To date, my titles have enabled me to raise awareness of lipoedema through the pageant community. gr
Being part of the Pure International Pageants means using your title for a purpose. Each queen is encouraged to make a real impact within their community, and for me, that focus is raising awareness of lipoedema and supporting other women living with it. This is why I created Lipoedema Warrior Queens, my impact project which is dedicated to spreading awareness, empowering women and helping others feel seen and understood.
Lipoedema Doesn’t Define Your Limits
If there’s one thing I want other women to take from my story, it’s that having lipoedema does not take away your beauty, your strength or your potential. It does not define your limits. Lipoedema doesn’t stop you from being a queen – and I’m living proof of that.
If you are in or around the Cheshire area, you can find our Cheshire Lipo Ladies group of lovely ladies on Facebook groups. You can follow my pageant journey on Instagram by following @Kims_pageant_life.
By Kimberley Baxter
