14/12/2025
Alison and Mani are highly skilled complementary therapists who bring relaxation, relief and calm to people living with serious illness. When LOROS was forced to restructure its services in the summer, their roles sadly came to an end. But, very happily, they didn’t go far. The pair set up their own independent practice, Calm Mind Complementary Therapies, and now offer aromatherapy, reflexology and massage from a clinic room within the hospice. Here is their .
Alison first arrived at LOROS in 1987 as a nurse. Over time, she became increasingly interested in massage after witnessing the difference it made to patients.
“We all use the art of touch in everyday life – if we hurt ourselves, we instinctively rub the painful area. Massage has many benefits. Physically, it can relieve pain, ease tension and tight muscles, and improve circulation. Emotionally, it is soothing, warming, deeply relaxing and brings a real sense of well-being,” she explains.
Mani began her career as a primary school teacher, before leaving to complete a BTEC in health and beauty. “I really enjoyed the massage element of the course and wanted to explore it as a business, but something felt missing,” she says. “I started volunteering at Rainbows hospice and then came to LOROS, which I absolutely loved. I learned so much. I began massaging Day Hospice patients and later those on the ward. I was nervous at first – patients were emotional – but I soon realised I had a natural affinity, and it felt wonderful to be able to help.”
What has working in a hospice taught them about the power of massage?
“As a team, we regularly saw patients respond incredibly well,” says Alison. “People with respiratory disease, for example, could take off their oxygen masks and fall asleep during a massage because they were so deeply relaxed.”
Massage also complements medical pain management. “It works beautifully alongside medicines,” she adds. “There’s a real synergy, and we see anxiety reduce significantly.”
Both Alison and Mani specialise in supporting people living with illness. “Many therapists in beauty settings won’t treat people with cancer, often out of fear of causing harm. That can be so frustrating for someone seeking relief,” Alison explains. “We hope we can help fill that gap.”
Mani adds, “Massage gives people a window of normality. Everything in their life is about their illness, but this is something different. Touch offers an escape – physically and psychologically. Being in pain affects your mood; I’d feel down too if I was in pain all the time. That’s why reflexology can be brilliant, because we don’t have to touch anywhere else.”
So how did their new venture begin?
“When our employment ended, Mani suggested continuing our work independently,” says Alison. “We asked if we could hire some clinic space. LOROS recognised how valuable our support still is – for staff and families as well as patients – and happily agreed.”
Caring for families has become a central part of their work. “Relatives forget about themselves,” says Mani. “They’re here for days, not eating, not sleeping, not drinking. Calming them helps them get through the day.”
Alison sees the same. “Families carry so much anxiety in their bodies – hunched shoulders, tension, aches and pains caused by stress. Massage gives them permission to switch off, stop worrying, and breathe. We teach them techniques to feel calmer and more refreshed, so they have the strength to keep going.”
Alison also offers home visits: “People with MND often can’t travel, so I go to them. Some can access a grant from the MND Association to help cover costs, which is fantastic.”
Mani and Alison especially enjoy offering “spa afternoons,” where they treat two friends or relatives at the same time. “It creates such lovely memories,” Mani says. “Helping the body relax, boosting circulation, reducing stress – and the biggest compliment is when they both fall asleep.”
Finally, a tip for anyone looking for a thoughtful Christmas present: many LOROS nurses are huge fans of Alison and Mani’s treatments – and yes, they sell gift vouchers!
