Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity Needs £20,000 to Sustain Vital Therapies for End-of-Life Patients

Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity is urgently calling on the Cheshire community to help raise £20,000 to continue providing essential complementary therapies at home for patients in their final weeks and days of life.

Without this vital funding, the service, which has brought comfort to so many, will sadly come to an end.

A Lifeline for End-of-Life Patients

For individuals facing terminal illness, the final weeks of life can be physically, emotionally, and mentally overwhelming. Complementary therapies—including massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy—offer these patients invaluable support, alleviating symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and sleep issues while promoting relaxation and emotional wellbeing.

Sara, District Nurse Team Leader at NHS Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership said:

“As a district nurse involved in palliative care, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that complementary therapies have on our patients. These therapies not only help to manage pain and discomfort but also bring a sense of calm and emotional relief during such a difficult time. For many, it’s a rare moment of joy in their final days. Losing this service for those who wish to die at home, would be heartbreaking for both patients and their families”

Since its inception in Spring 2024, the service has reached almost a hundred patients across the Mid Cheshire area, bringing moments of peace and comfort not only to those nearing the end of life but also to their families. Delivered by trained therapists in the familiarity of patients’ own homes, these therapies provide a sense of normality and dignity during an incredibly challenging time.

The service was initially funded by a generous donation from Cheerbrook Farm Shop to Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity’s Community Fund.

The Urgency of the Appeal

However, the future of this compassionate service is now under threat. Without an immediate injection of £20,000, Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity will be forced to discontinue this programme, leaving many patients who wish to die at home, without access to the care that has been a lifeline for them and their loved ones.

Emma Robertson, Head of Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, explains:

“Complementary therapies offer so much more than just physical relief. They provide emotional solace and a sense of humanity when patients need it most. Losing this service would be devastating for those in our community who rely on it to ease their final journey. Our mission is to enhance patient care and experience beyond what the NHS can offer, this service exemplifies what we do. We rely on donations from the Cheshire community to fund projects and services like this. We’re urging everyone to give whatever they can to help us continue this vital work.”

How You Can Help

Every donation, no matter the size, brings the charity closer to its £20,000 target. The funds will directly support the continuation of complementary therapies, ensuring that patients can receive treatments tailored to their individual needs in the comfort of their homes.

To donate, visit: 

Community Complementary Therapy Service - Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity

...or contact the charity on:

01270 273248

Alternatively, donations can be made in person at the Charity’s office at Leighton Hospital.

Help Us Make a Difference

Time is running out to secure the future of this essential service. Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity is calling on individuals, businesses, and community groups to come together and support the appeal. By acting now, you can ensure that those at the end of life, who wish to die at home, continue to receive the comfort, and relief complementary therapies offer them and they deserve.