Members of the Rotary Club of Hemel Hempstead visited The Hospice of St Francis last week to officially unveil a new treatment plinth for the charity’s complementary therapy room which they bought with a donation of £1,400.
President Rod Pesch, members and Hospice volunteer John Carlton-Ashton came to see the new electronic couch in the Hospice’s Spring Centre and meet CEO Kate Phipps-Wiltshire, Director of Family and Wellbeing Support Kimberley McLaughlin and Complementary Therapist Team Leader Sandy Winyward.
The plinth which has a super-thick top giving improved comfort for patients, helping them to feel safe and more comfortable as they experience a number of therapies including reflexology, massage and Reiki, replaces an older version. The Hospice offers complementary therapy in its outpatient Spring Centre as part of its support to patients who have cancer, or are recovering from a diagnosis, and to those who have a life-limiting illness.
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Sandy Winyard, Complementary Therapist at the Hospice, commented, “This chair is going to benefit so many of our patients giving them a more comfortable experience as they enjoy one of our many therapies on offer. Complementary therapy is a vital part of our service helping patients to relax, ease pain and improve positivity and wellbeing. I am so grateful to Hemel Rotary Club and all those who gave donations to them for contributing to our patient care in this way.”
Rod Pesch, President of the Rotary Club of Hemel Hempstead, added, “For 85 (on 12 October 2019) years, the Rotary has been supporting local charities and The Hospice of St Francis is close to our hearts. We wanted to fund something that would directly benefit patients at a difficult time in their lives and are delighted to be able to provide a new treatment plinth.
“I’d like to thank all our members who’ve worked so hard to raise the funds over the course of the year and particularly to all those families in Hemel who gave donations when Santa’s sleigh came a-visiting last December! Santa will be out again this Christmas so do keep your eyes peeled!”
The Rotary Club of Hemel Hempstead is always looking for new members to join their thriving group. The motto of the group is ‘Service before self’ and the Club meets for friendship, fun activities – with trips to car factories and theatres on offer – as well as a commitment to improve the quality of life for people in their local community through charitable endeavours.
To find out more about The Hospice of St Francis care services, visit: www.stfrancis.org.uk/care