Cancer patients at Inverclyde Royal say a new complementary therapy service is helping them through their treatment

Comforting head, foot, shoulder, head and neck massages are being offered to patients undergoing chemotherapy at the hospital to help them cope with the gruelling treatment.

Jacqueline Crighton, from Bow Road, has been having chemo for the past four years and says the therapies, offered by the Beatson charity's wellbeing team, including Hazel MacFarlane, are a great idea.

The 48-year-old said: "I never used to like anyone touching my hands or feet but it's great.

"Hazel the therapist has given me foot massages and shoulder massages and it makes me feel so relaxed.

"Hazel is amazing, she's really lovely and it's also nice to have a one-to-one chat with her.

"Afterwards you come out feeling really good."

The service is an extension into the community of the Beatson's wellbeing centre which first opened its doors in 2007.

Hazel, a former nurse who is now a complimentary therapist with the Beatson, says the feedback from patients has been very positive.

The 28-year-old, who lives in Kilmacolm, says: "We started the service in February and I'm at the hospital on a Wednesday and Thursday between 10am and 3pm at the chemo unit.

"I can go and see patients on the ward and we have also started taking referrals from palliative care teams.

"It really helps people physically and psychologically with stress.

"People seem to really enjoy it, it's a very popular service more people are becoming aware of."

Patients also enjoy seeing Jimmy Crawford, who is one of the charity's 'trolley volunteers' at the hospital.

The 76-year-old from Greenock told the Tele: "I love it.

"It gives you a bit of perspective on life and it brings you down to earth.

"It's the reality of how precious life is and how we take it for granted.

"The patients are so upbeat, they're fantastic and I would like to encourage more people to volunteer."