Car dealers Arnold Clark have made a donation to support complementary therapies at Willow Wood Hospice. 

The grant, made through the Arnold Clark Community Fund, will help the hospice continue to provide therapeutic support to both patients and their carers. 

Sharon Herod, one of the qualified complementary therapists currently volunteering, said: “At the moment, we offer Reiki and Reflexology treatments as part of our holistic approach to care and our patients, whether in our Inpatient Unit or users of our Day Services, find these to be of real benefit. 

“The treatments aid relaxation and balance, and can help with physical and emotional symptoms as well as pain and anxiety and help relieve stress and can improve quality of life.

“It is so good to see the difference the treatments can make both to the patient themselves and to their carers and loved ones.” 

The £500 donation was used to purchase a range of items, including a specially designed reflexology stool, new pillows, towels, essential oils, reflexology wax and, to enhance the ambience in the treatment rooms, a CD player, scented reed diffusers and a lovely pre-lit blossom tree.  

Sharon said: “I’m often told that our rooms, which all have a lovely full wall mural, are like those at a spa and that’s the experience we want to replicate.

“Our treatments give people such a boost, it’s wonderful to realise how we can help.” 

Like all Willow Wood’s care, the complementary therapies are free of charge.

Mark Llewellin, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “We are very grateful to the Arnold Clark Community Fund for this grant which will enable us to extend the treatment packages we offer, and are looking to bring back aromatherapy and massage over the next few months.” 

If you, or a loved one has been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, including COPD, cancer, neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease, Willow Wood may be able to help.

Day services can be accessed without the need for a medical referral, just ring 0161 330 1100 and ask for the START Clinic who will arrange an assessment. 

To find out more, visit www.willowwood.info.

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