Celebrating Fran Campbell: Legs Matter Changemaker Champion 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that Fran Campbell, Clinical Lead in Podiatry and Biomechanics at Accelerate CIC, has been named the Legs Matter Changemaker Champion 2025.

This award honours a healthcare professional who has made an outstanding contribution to the treatment of leg and foot conditions — and Fran is a truly deserving recipient.

From New Zealand to East London

Fran’s career has spanned continents and disciplines. Originally from New Zealand, she now works in London and has over 15 years of experience across the NHS  the private and social enterprise sectors. Fran is a musculoskeletal podiatrist with a unique specialism: applying musculoskeletal medicine and biomechanics to tissue viability, wound healing, and lymphoedema management.

She holds a Master’s in Clinical Biomechanics, has published in peer-reviewed journals, and is now  a currently holds an NIHR Allied Research Collaboration pre-doctoral grant.

Shaping the Future of Lower Limb Care

Since joining Accelerate in 2021, Fran has transformed how we approach mobility and biomechanics in patients with venous and lymphatic disease. She would say herself that she’s “found her vocation” — and it shows in everything she does.

Her work focuses on:

• Enhancing mobility in patients with wounds and lower limb swelling
• Integrating musculoskeletal podiatry with multidisciplinary care
• Bringing biomechanical thinking into lymphoedema and leg ulcer services

Too often, these areas are overlooked in lower limb care. Fran is determined to change that.

Educator, Researcher & Innovator

Fran is passionate about bringing an understanding around biomechanics in lower limb swelling – not just to podiatrists but to nurses, physiotherapists, and other clinicians. Through the Accelerate Academy, she delivers training on lower limb conditions, always weaving in her specialist knowledge to ensure real-world impact.

She is also:

• Vice Chair of the British Lymphology Society Scientific Committee
• A peer reviewer for the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
• Contributor to national conferences, textbooks, and professional guidance
• An advocate for evidence-based practice and collaboration

A Connector Across Borders

Whether hosting lymphoedema colleagues from Sweden or coordinating internships with Swiss practitioners, Fran sees international collaboration as vital to improving care. She also supports student placements for podiatry students from the University of Brighton, ensuring the next generation of clinicians is well-versed in biomechanics and lower limb care for people with lymphoedema and leg ulcers.

Raising Awareness, Building Community

Fran’s work also extends into the community. During Legs Matter Awareness Week 2023, she led a joyful, inclusive event with Bike Works, promoting cycling as a way to support leg health and patient wellbeing.

She continues to contribute to initiatives that spotlight mobility, including plans for a 2025 patient day focused on “Mobility Matters.”

What Her Colleagues Say

Fran’s leadership is felt throughout Accelerate. Her team describes her as:

“An excellent role model who always finds a way to move things forward.”
“A knowledge sharer who has improved our whole team’s insight into gait and mobility.”
“A true inspiration – Fran lifts us all.”

Her work has also brought Accelerate a unique clinical edge, making biomechanics a differentiator in how we approach complex care.

Putting Patients First

Fran’s impact is most deeply felt by her patients. Their feedback reflects someone who not only delivers expert care but also listens, empowers, and brings hope:

“Thank you for taking me seriously. For daring to be different.”
“Fran helps me understand what’s happening – and how I can help myself.”
“Every time I leave, I feel like I can conquer the world.”

Championing Change Through Research

Fran continues to lead change on a national level. She recently co-authored a chapter on biomechanics and leg ulceration, has run workshops on mobility at the  British Lymphology Society Conference, and is working with a national mobility group to help improve clinical care.

Her next goal? To focus on research that  helps improve services for people with lymphoedema and leg ulcers, drive systemic change and position the allied health professions firmly within the model of care for these patients.

A Well-Earned Recognition

The Legs Matter Changemaker Champion Award shines a light on professionals who go above and beyond. Fran Campbell does this every single day – combining clinical brilliance, academic rigour, and heartfelt compassion.

We couldn’t be prouder of Fran, and we know this is only the beginning of her continued impact.

Congratulations, Fran — you are a true Changemaker!