The Group was initially set up and supported by the then North Essex Lymphoedema Service, which was based at St Helena Hospice in Colchester. It was established in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and included mainly people who had developed lymphoedema following cancer treatment. Meetings were held separately in Tendring and Colchester.

Early in 2011 it was agreed that the two Support Groups should merge and be run by the members for the members. A management committee was elected and a constitution was drawn up in order to formalise this new group.