Treetops, based in Risley, provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life limiting conditions living in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Lisa, 38yrs, who is mum to three young children, was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer in May last year.
She and her neighbours decided to take part in the Duffield Scarecrow Trail and chose ‘Oliver’ as their scarecrow theme for their avenue. Neighbours sold homemade cakes and tea to raise money for Lisa – but she decided to donate the funds to Treetops where she’s been receiving complementary therapy for the past year. Treetops offers complementary therapy for adults with life-limiting illnesses and their carers, and for people coping with a bereavement.
You feel like a weight’s been lifted off your shoulders
Lisa explained more:
“I’ve had Reflexology, neck massage and head massages here and there isn’t just one benefit – there’s a whole multitude.
“There’s the physical side – it relieves the pain caused by the chemotherapy and the tension in your shoulders from wearing the Chemo cold-cap. Having the massage just gives you a release and you immediately feel like a weight’s been lifted off your shoulders.
“It’s also just really nice to come somewhere and just chat about anything and everything – it doesn’t need to be about cancer or illness. It’s a whole hour just for me and it’s been a form of counselling for me as well.
It’s time when the physical touch is gentle and kind
Claire Hampson, Treetops complementary therapist said:
“It’s time-out for our clients – it’s time when the physical touch is gentle and kind, whereas medical touch is not the same. It gives a calming feeling – there’s laughs and we’ve shared a lot over the year of Lisa’s treatment.
“When someone is very poorly, it makes everything just feel nice and forget – it’s a calm and tranquil place to be and the different treatments just depended on Lisa and how she was feeling at the time.”
Treetops services include Support and Information, a Day Care Unit, Hospice at Home nurses and Therapeutic Services including counselling, art therapy and complementary therapy.