Mick and Jackie both suffer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is an incurable condition, affecting their lungs and making it extremely hard for them both to breathe. In addition, Mick was diagnosed with terminal adrenal cancer around Valentine’s Day in 2010.
Earlier this year, Mick’s breathing got worse and he was advised to see a doctor at LOROS. It was then, that they discovered the complimentary therapy services that the Hospice offers. Little did they know that from that day onwards, they would see a huge improvement in their lives thanks to the aromatherapy sessions at LOROS.
“I felt so much better after just the first session,” said 69-year-old Mick, who lives with Jackie in Lutterworth.
“Because we have trouble with our lungs, we tend to tense up our body. I didn’t realise just how tense I was though. When I drove to LOROS, my shoulders were high and I was having to try and force them down. Driving back, they were nice and low.”
Mick and Jackie, who have been married for 43 years and have two children and four grandchildren, now come to LOROS on a monthly basis.
“When we were first offered aromatherapy, I didn’t really think it was a good idea – I thought it was just something women did. I didn’t realise it would have this great effect,” Mick says.
“I’ve found it so beneficial though.I go in to LOROS huffing and puffing but come out feeling so much calmer, with a lot more air going in and coming out of my lungs.
“LOROS really have improved my quality of life, just be massaging my neck and back.”
During their aromatherapy sessions, the couple are massaged with special oils which helps relieve stress, while relaxing their bodies.
“For me, everything is difficult,” says Jackie, 65, who also suffers with fixed airways disease, after being born six weeks prematurely.
“I can breathe, I just don’t get very far,” she says.
She uses an oxygen concentrator to help her breathe, which is on all day and all night. She even has a trolley to carry it around town with her when she wants to go shopping.
“Even just breathing is an effort. If you asked me to walk across the room, I would be huffing and puffing by the time I got to the door. I’m on oxygen 24/7.
“I love LOROS because it is so relaxing. Very often, I even come back home and end up falling asleep because I feel so relaxed.
“It takes all of the stress away. I go away feeling like all my troubles have been lifted.
“And if you tell them you have pain in a certain area, they will help it.”
Until she discovered LOROS, Jackie said she had not found anything to help her breathing conditions other than medical treatment.
“It’s lovely at LOROS and the therapists have become more like friends, they are just so caring and do everything they can for you. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff at LOROS, nothing at all.”
Both Jackie and Mick admit they were apprehensive before first coming to LOROS but soon realised it offers a lot more than they initially thought.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” said Jackie.
“But when you walk through the doors, it is just so tranquil. No-one is rushing about and everyone seems so quietly spoken. There are flowers everywhere and everyone is smiling at you, even though you’ve never met them before.
“Now, we look forward to the next time we go.”
To help LOROS continue supporting people like Mick and Jackie, visit: loros.co.uk/support-usTo help give LOROS a 30th birthday to remember visit: loros.co.uk/30for30, text ‘CARE24 30’ to 70070 to give £30 or donate on-ine here
