We’d like to introduce you to massage therapist Caroline, who has been kindly volunteering with us at The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre since last summer. When not with Pickering, she runs a business as a fitness and wellbeing coach and is trained in sports massage.
“I work with each visitor individually, depending on their needs,” she explains. “Sometimes they might simply want to relax or there might be an area they’d like me to focus on.”
“I had been approached by clients and friends with cancer, who were asking for massages,” she says. “This spurred me on to undertake a massage qualification for oncology, while I’ve also got an oncology personal training qualification. Over the years, I’ve met clients who have benefited from the support provided by Pickering, so last year, I got in touch and offered my services.”
“I come in for a day each month and see three or four visitors,” Caroline continues. “It’s time just for them and I can see them visibly relax, with some of their tension disappearing and their breathing slowing down.”
“The therapy room I use here at Pickering is really lovely and it’s wonderful to give visitors time to relax and do something nice which is just for them. I so enjoy meeting visitors and chatting with them, it’s really special and I’m pleased to be able to do it.”