Above & Beyond supporters have funded the Bristol Royal Infirmary massage therapist role for another year.

Vanessa Hull visits Ward A900 once a week to give massages to cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Vanessa is now entering her third year in the position. The first year was funded by The Ian Ritchie Foundation, a CF charity, and since then your kind donations have carried on the role.

Vanessa said: “What I enjoy is being able to give the patients a different experience while in the hospital. I put on music and use gel and it’s some undisturbed time for them to relax.

“I’ve even had feedback that they forget they’re in hospital.

“It’s nice to be able to do something to help them relax and help with their aches and pains, even if it’s just for a few days.”

CF patients on the ward typically stay for two weeks; however the visits can be frequent.

Patient Courtney Muir has been coming to the ward for the last six months. She comes in for two weeks every four weeks.

She said: “I get really bad back pain from coughing and from the medication so Vanessa’s massages are really good and help to relax me.

“It’s not medical so it’s really nice – she doesn’t wear scrubs or give you any medicine. She just plays nice music!”

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