A NEW therapy service for those suffering from long-term illness is going to be set up in Bicester.

Therapist Becky Fletcher is starting a new venture with a team of volunteers to provide therapy to those with terminal or life-limiting conditions.

Residents will be able to drop in to weekly sessions or call out the new not-for-profit service Greenfields for therapies such as aromatherapy, massage therapy and hand and foot care.

Mrs Fletcher, who has worked as a therapist for nearly two decades and at Sobell House hospice in Oxford for four years, said: “At Sobell House, we would get a few patients from Bicester and they would say that if it was not for the transport they would not come, as it was quite far to travel.

“The more people I spoke to, it became apparent it was something that was needed.”

The 36-year-old, who lives with her husband Simon and sons Henry, 11, and Joseph, seven, teamed up with Mechelle Harris to open The Hummingbird Cancer Support and Therapy Centre in Launton last year.

The Hummingbird Centre in Station Road provides cancer support and therapy and was the first of its kind to be set up in the Bicester area.

She said: “We had lots of patients coming in and a few asking about family members with other illnesses.

“Unfortunately we had to say no because understandably we were a cancer centre. I just felt there was a need to help others. I am very much about complementary therapy-based service as I know how beneficial it is for patients.

“It was successful at the opening and it is still successful now, which is fantastic. But I want to help other illnesses too.”

The therapist left the cancer support centre and has now set up the not-for-profit service to offer an out-reach service and drop-in sessions.

They take place every Tuesday from 12.30pm to 4.30pm at Bucknell village hall in Bicester Road, and every Friday from 10am to 2pm at Bicester East Community Centre in Keble Road.

It will provide a service for patients and their families to support them through the challenges faced by life-limiting illnesses.

Massage, reflexology, reiki (healing energy massage), Hopi ear candling (a removal process of wax and impurities) and hand and foot care will be provided.

Patients and their main carers will get the first three treatments free and ongoing treatments at a small charge to support the service.

The drop-in sessions also act as a place for patients to relax over tea, coffee and a chat.

Mrs Fletcher said: “The drop-in therapy sessions are for four hours and people can come right from the beginning or just come for an hour.

“They can just come for a coffee or for treatments. We hope to get more and more people involved for things like yoga or meditation.”

An open day will be held tomorrow at Bicester East Community Centre from 10am to 2pm.