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.