Lisa Villiers, cancer care unit manager said: “Reflexology is an important holistic approach we have adopted here at Broomfield Hospital and it is entirely funded by generous donations so we can continue this therapy to any of our patients who want it.”

“Chemotherapy treatment takes several hours, so reflexology not only provides a very welcome distraction and a chance to chat,  but more importantly, it helps patients relax and aid well being at a very stressful time.”

It costs nearly £1,000 per month to provide reflexology to patients, so the donation by the Friends will help with the ongoing provision of the treatment.

Featured in the photo: Patient Leigh Barnes is pictured receiving treatment from reflexologist Karen Peters. Also pictured, from left to right are chemotherapy  unit manager  Lisa Villiers,  Friends at Broomfield Hospital volunteers Brenda Corney and Jayashree Ramanathan and chemotherapy nurse Louise Bouttell-Wright.

Money raised in sponsorship by Sharon will go towards the hospital’s dementia project which is being supported by the Friends, who are providing bags of toiletries for patients with dementia who are admitted to the hospital.

Sharon admits she has at times found training for the marathon tough going and on occasions has felt “tired, sick, excited and nervous about the big day.”

But she has overcome difficulties she encountered with running, by having some orthotic insoles in her trainers and since then has been making great strides.

Sharon said: “I have had great support from my sister who ran the Marathon a couple of years ago, so she has been giving me good advice about the day. I am looking forward to the marathon and hope to raise as much as I can for such a good cause.”

You can support Sharon at http://www.justgiving.com/Sharon-Stern1 or make a donation at the FRIENDS Shops at Broomfield Hospital.

The chaplaincy were thrilled to take delivery of a brand new digital piano, thanks to a substantial grant from the Friends at Broomfield.

The piano arrived in time for the Carol Service in December, to accompany over 50 members of staff and patients carolling their hearts out together in the Faith Centre.

Rev Julia Sheffield, Lead Chaplain, said “Replacing a very tired instrument we inherited form the old St. John’s hospital chapel, this particular instrument was chosen for its authentic piano touch and sound and its transportability. We plan to use it to accompany and enhance special festival services and events around the hospital as well as in the Faith Centre, and we are very grateful to the Friends for their generous donation.”

Sharon Comben, Audiology Manager at Broomfield Hospital said: “We can take the Verifit Scanner out into the community, to either clinics or schools where we can test between 15 and 20 children at a time. This is much faster for us and means patients no longer need to book an appointment at the hospital. We can also visit babies and children at their home, which is far more comforting for the children and their families.”

“As a result, our patients are being treated quicker and we are providing a much better family friendly experience for them.”

Members of th Friends at Broomfield Hospital, volunteers who raise funds for equipment and facilities to help patients, staff and visitors at the hospital, were invited to visit the audiology department and were very impressed with the difference the new scanner is making to youngsters and their families.

Help Sharon raise much needed funds to help patients with Dementia, make a donation today.

You can help support Sharon today by visiting – http://www.justgiving.com/Sharon-Stern1

Clive Gibson, CNS for Older People, said “It is clear that a great deal of time, thought and effort has gone into preparing these toiletry bags. I have no doubt that they will significantly improve the experience for people with dementia and also provide greater dignity and comfort. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank the members of the Friends for generously funding these bags, we are delighted with them!”

Pictured above: Clive Gibson offers a personal thanks to the Friends for their donation