A trained nurse, Judy Gopsill is big on caring. 

So when she was offered the chance to train as a complementary therapist it seemed a natural progression. She talks here to Pamela McGowan about her work.

Working with patients living with life-limiting illnesses, Judy Gopsill helps with side effects of treatment and makes them relaxed and comfortable during end of life care.

Although based at the Eden Valley Hospice, Judy is one of three paid therapists employed by Hospice at Home Carlisle and Eden. 

The charity also has four volunteer therapists, and is appealing for more to join them.

Together they cover a huge area - from Alston to Allonby, right across to Appleby - and currently have more than 90 clients, with demand growing.

They don't just see patients, but also their carers and those who have been bereaved. As a result they are on the look out for more volunteer therapists to help them care for even more people.

People are referred to them by other health professionals, including nurses, doctors, occupational therapists and social workers.

It is not just cancer patients that benefit, but also those with conditions like motor neurone disease, Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), nuclear palsy, renal failure and heart problems.

The therapies they offer include aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki, M technique, HEARTS and even yoga, and all of the oils they used are specifically tailored to individual clients.

"There's been a lot of evidence on the benefits of relaxation," explained Judy. "It's totally holistic care. When we go in to see a patient we are always looking at the complete picture. 

"It's more than just a physical massage. Patients often say that it's total relaxation. Although they may be in a chair or bed, it doesn't necessarily mean they are relaxed. This gives them permission to relax.

"It's a nurturing therapy. We are very much led by the situation, by the individual and their needs at that time."

It was while working as a nurse that Judy was offered the chance to attend a complementary therapy course, as evidence was building that it was beneficial to those undergoing cancer treatment.

She still works at the Cumberland Infirmary, within the oncology department, one day a week. The rest of the time she is employed by Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland.

Fellow therapist Christie Tonks, also a nurse, took it upon herself to train because it was an area she had a personal interest in.

They have both since completed courses at the Christie and Royal Marsden hospitals and have shared some of their learning with Hospice at Home nursing staff, so they are able to give basic hand and foot massages to soothe patients during end of life care.

"It's the essence of nursing. It's total holistic care. You are there to help them through that difficult time in whatever way you can" said Judy.

But by its very nature, end of life can also be tough. Emotionally she said it does affect you, but that is part of the reason you do it.

"The day it doesn't affect you is the day you don't come. There are times you have to stop in a lay-by and gather yourself because it can be quite overwhelming. That's the nature of it," she said.

Christie added: "I think it's a privilege, a real honour, to care for someone at this stage in their life."
And it is not just the patients they care for, but also those supporting them. Judy said sometimes they turn up to see a patient, but the carer looks even more drained and exhausted than they do.

"A carer said to me the other day that they just felt more able to cope with what's ahead after the therapy. It gives them that time out to relax. Some time for themselves," she said.

We can also refer them on to other services if they need it.

"There are little things we sometimes notice. They may be struggling to open a jar or get out of their chair. 

"They might need some physiotherapy. We can get those people involved early enough to make a difference," she added.

Both Judy and Christie are keen to hear from any local therapists who think they could benefit them team.

"It's a lovely job. The volunteers all have their own experiences. You feel that your therapy is really helping," explained Judy.

"Volunteers have their own caseload of two or three patients. Sometimes more, depending on how much time they can give.

"We really value our volunteers. One of them said to me that she feels part of a very supportive team. The work is very intimate so we do support each other. That's really important to us."

Therapists also hold treatment sessions for staff, so that is another area volunteers could get involved in. 

Although the three paid therapists all have nursing backgrounds, they are keen to work with all kinds of qualified therapists if they have some time they could give up to help the charity and its patients.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer would need to have their own transport and be registered as a therapist. 

For more details contact Judy or Christie on 01228 603208.