Province supports Breast Cancer Haven, Hereford

The Province is delighted to be able to continue its support for Breast Cancer Haven in Hereford, with a further grant of £1,000 from the Herefordshire Masonic Charity Association. Rachael Manacchini-Godfrey, of Breast Cancer Haven, Hereford, showed the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, Michael Holland, and the Provincial Charity Steward, Nick Swan, round the premises in St Owen Street when they visited to present a cheque.

Breast Cancer Haven’s Hereford centre was the second of five opened in various parts of the country, the others being in London, Leeds, Hampshire and Solihull. It provides a wide range of support services for women, and occasionally men, who are living with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Although there are five centres, money raised for the Hereford Centre stays in Hereford for the benefit of local people.

Deputy PGM in Charge, Michael Holland, and Nick Swan, Provincial Charity Steward, present a cheque for £1,000 to Rachael Manacchini-Godfrey of Breast Cancer Haven, Hereford, in front of the Tree of Hope tapestry
Deputy PGM in Charge, Michael Holland, and Nick Swan, Provincial Charity Steward, present a cheque for £1,000 to Rachael Manacchini-Godfrey of Breast Cancer Haven, Hereford, in front of the Tree of Hope tapestry

Anyone can call on the support of Breast Cancer Haven following a diagnosis – they don’t need a referral. Help is also given to husbands and partners, and other family members, of those living with the condition. On first making contact a visitor (as users of the service are termed) will be taken through all the wide range of options available, and a treatment programme mapped out for them.

The Tree of Hope tapestry at the Hereford centre

The available treatments include a choice of one-to-one therapies, including counselling, aromatherapy, ear acupuncture, head massage, nutrition, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, reflexology, reiki and shiatsu, all designed to improve the well-being and ease the stress and anxiety of those living with the condition. There are also group classes, including tai chi, yoga and general fitness.

One of the therapy rooms in Hereford

Each visitor is given up to seven free group or individual sessions, and the grant from the HMCA will pay the costs of one visitor going through the whole sequence of therapies available to them. They can take further sessions, for which a small fee is charged.

The Hereford premises provide a light and relaxing environment, which visitors are encouraged to use whenever they want some peace and support, not just when they have a class or therapy session. The small garden, maintained with the help of some of the visitors, provides a peaceful refuge.

The attractive garden at Hereford

Rachael Manacchini-Godfrey thanked the Freemasons of Herefordshire for their continued support, which would help ensure that Breast Cancer Haven, Hereford’s very valuable services continue to be able to help women and their families who are going through a difficult and stressful time in their lives.

You can find out more about their wonderful work on their website here

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