A CANCER patient from Winsford has been benefitting from a complementary therapy aimed at comforting people in their own homes during their final weeks.

The Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity (MCH Charity) has funded a new trial providing therapies for end-of-life patients to help them feel calmer.

Alan Hassall was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year before it spread to his lungs and liver.

The 85-year-old, who is being cared for at home by his wife Gwen, has enjoyed Reflexology treatments, which he describes as 'nice and soothing' and which 'warmed his feet up for two or three days'.

Alongside Reflexology, the other complementary treatments include Indian head massage, Reiki and therapeutic touch - all of which have been found to offer patients a sense of calm, relieve anxiety, assist with sleep problems, relieve symptoms among other benefits.

The programme started in April 2024 and feedback from recipients has been very positive, with many patients commenting on how relaxing they found the treatments.

Emma Robertson, the head of the MCH Charity, said: "When we were approached with the idea, we instantly knew how special it was.

"To be able to support someone at the end of their life in this way is exactly what MCH Charity is about.

"Bringing together the knowledge and experience of Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP) staff to provide enhanced care, beyond what the NHS service can offer.

"The feedback we’ve had is moving, the therapies are having such a positive impact on patients and their families."

The programme has been made possible thanks to funds raised by Cheerbrook Farm Shop, in Nantwich, in memory of founder Andrew Shufflebotham.

It has enabled the charity to commission complementary therapists to treat patients in their own homes for the first time, which is where so many people would like to be.

Sarah Shufflebotham, director of Cheerbrook, said: "It was vital for Andrew that he could stay at home so we could be together as a family, enjoying time with our children and outdoors in the garden."

The therapists delivering the treatments are highly experienced practitioners from St Luke’s Hospice. Previously patients in this region have only been able to receive these therapies at the hospice itself.

If you would like to donate in support of the of Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP) District Nursing team, please head to mchcharity.org.