I Can't Stand Feet!

Well today I had the day off and had my first appointment for complimentary therapy at the Hospice.

I was very dubious about going to the Hospice as I had expected to see lots of very poorly people, and the use of the word Hospice sounds so final, but the Turner Centre was a separate building to the rest of the premises, so I was almost segmented and guarded from seeing the reality of what the Hospice stands for.

I did meet a very nice lady who was clearly very unwell and it does remind you of the seriousness of the situation; she had a great sense of humour particularly when a member of staff forgot to put sugar in her tea, as her volunteer driver sat quietly by her side.

I was very impressed with St Michaels, the staff were lovely and the surroundings were very nice and calming.

Off I went to the treatment room for reflexology. I have a natural affliction for feet but I gave it a go, with every muscle tensed I lay down ready to laugh out loud as I am so ticklish but actually it wasn't like that at all. Infact it was very nice indeed.

I now have an aromatherapy sniff stick (!) to help me relax whenever I need it and after the treatment was completed I was escorted back to reception for a nice cup of tea and as long as I needed to drift back to reality before making my next appointment. And that I did as I watched the rain bounce on the ground outside.

St Michaels Hospice do an absolutely fantastic job, of that I have no doubt. Just one visit made me realise just how important the pallative care offerings they provide really are and with only 30% of their funds provided by the Primary Care Trust and the remaining £1.8 million required to continue to run the Hospice per year being raised by charitable donations their achievements are substantial and it's a Charity I would be honoured to support.