Help for cancer patients on hand

HELP is at hand for Worksop cancer patients thanks to charity Aurora Wellbeing which has set up a new introductory service at Bassetlaw Hospital.

The specialist charity is currently running Friday clinics in Worksop offering hand massages and manicures to patients while explaining the full range of services it provides.

Aurora, which has established centres in Doncaster and Mexborough, has received overwhelming support for its plans to move into the old Worksop Library on Memorial Avenue and has already been granted a 25-year lease for the original 1930s building.

Beauty therapist Allison Hanlon, who has worked for Aurora for three years, gave Guardian chief reporter Chantal Spittles a relaxing hand massage as she explained Aurora’s philosophy and services.

“We concentrate on providing a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for all our patients. Everything is private and confidential - we are here for them and there’s no rush with any of the treatments,” she said.

“The difference we see over the weeks is really noticeable. Some come in at the beginning very upset and subdued and then you soon see their confidence coming back again.”

“They really appreciate the opportunity to talk to people who aren’t close family or friends and share what they are going through.

Aurora offers wide range of free professional beauty therapy treatments including advice on skin care and hair lsos to help boost self-esteem and self-confidence while undergoing and recovering from cancer treatments.

Patients can create their own package of luxurious treatments, from hand massages and manicures to facials, pedicures and reflexology.

Said Allison: “We have put together a package of the treatments they find most beneficial, because they can’t have certain things done when undergoing chemotherapy.”

“It doesn’t matter if they had cancer 10 or 15 years ago - we will still find them a range of free beauty and holistic treatments.”

“And once they are finished, if they want to come back for further treatments they can choose a fundraiser and make donation to Aurora which benefits the charity even further.”

Aurora also offers workshops such as HeadStrong to offer expert advice on how to look after your hair and scalp during cancer treatments and Feel Good - a group session focusing on developing a positve mental attitude to lead the best life you can.

As well as offering the existing range of treatments and workshops, Aurora also intends to create a gentle gym, tea room, chic charity shop and conference rooms at the new Worksop centre, which currently needs around £500,000 to get up and running.

Sally Richardson, who already has a wealth of experience as Bassetlaw Breastcare Unit fundraiser, has now joined Aurora to help boost their cause and bring the charity to the Worksop area.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Friday clinics at Bassetlaw Hospital or how to get involved in fundraising should email [email protected] or call 01909 500990 ext 2767.

In the meantime, cancer patients can also take up the services already offered in Doncaster and Mexborough by calling 01302 553198.

Visit www.theauroracentre.co.uk to find out more.