Complementary Therapist Sam Briar knows from first hand experience how the stresses and strains of a serious illness can put pressure on your body and your mental wellbeing.
Five years ago, her husband Andy was left with a brain injury after he was punched in the side of the head.
His condition threw their lives into turmoil, with Sam left to look after their three triplets while running Andy’s café in Orpington.
Her own past experiences are what spurred her to answer an advert by hospice charity ellenor for a volunteer complementary therapist.
She said: “I have worked in beauty therapy for years and recently trained in reflexology. I’m a Christian and I have always wanted to use my skills to help the people who need it. Andy and I have been through a traumatic experience ourselves, so we know what it’s like to be in the situation where you need help. The children were only five at the time, which was really hard. Luckily, Andy has fully recovered but it took about a year to get there.
“When you are in a situation like that you feel that it is never going to end. I can particularly identify with family members and carers who come to ellenor. I know that we can support them throughout this challenging time.
“Many of the patients I work with are heavily reliant on medication. Patients or their carers often struggle with the emotional toll of their illness or diagnosis. Initially, some of them can appear visibly distressed upon arrival but once you start the treatment session you can see them start to calm down and relax. That’s the reason I do it – it’s so rewarding.
“Reflexology is a great way to correct your body’s imbalances, and it’s very relaxing and calming. It makes people feel more grounded.”
The 42-year-old, who started volunteering with ellenor in Spring 2023, attends two mornings a month, fitting in her role around her home beauty therapy clients and the school run for 10-year-olds Zachary, Jacob and Felicity.
At home, Sam offers massage, facials, waxing, tinting and does nails. She chose reflexology for ellenor because she believes it to be one of the best therapies for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Currently Sam operates from The Manor Hotel to attend to the majority of her patients as ellenor’s Wellbeing team is based there while the hospice in Northfleet undergoes an impressive revamp which includes the construction of a new Wellbeing Centre.Top of Form