A LEADING therapist has been honoured with a prestigious national award for her outstanding work with cancer patients throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Stephanie Quigley played a crucial role in developing a telephone wellbeing service to help those struggling during lockdown.
As well as this, the lead complimentary therapist at Cancer Support Scotland set up a wide range of digital self-help guides and mindfulness sessions to help ease stress and anxiety among those going through treatment.
Stephanie, from Bishopbriggs, also created personalised aromatherapy nasal inhalers which can comfort and relax patients.
Her outstanding work was recognised at the prestigious Federation of Holistic Therapy awards (FHT) virtual ceremony on Thursday.
The FHT is the largest governing body for complementary therapies and members are celebrated at their annual showcase, which recognises the outstanding work professional therapists do in improving the health and wellbeing of others in the community.
Stephanie, who was crowned Complimentary Therapist of the Year, said: “It’s a massive honour to receive this award – and one I never expected.
“When Covd-19 struck and lockdown was introduced, I immediately began to contact those accessing complementary therapy services at Cancer Support Scotland to reassure them we would still be able to offer help, but just in a slightly different way.
“Within a few weeks I had supported 100 cancer patients through telephone calls.
“It’s vital people affected by cancer know we are here for them when they need us most, and that is key to what the charity is all about. We are always there for our patients.”
Cancer Support Scotland CEO Rob Murray says the charity is thrilled that Stephanie’s dedication and commitment has been rewarded.
He said: “We are thrilled Stephanie has won such a prestigious UK wide award.
“She typifies the type of work we do round the clock to support cancer patients. Lockdown was a very difficult time for those going through treatment and Stephanie’s innovative approach meant they didn’t have to face that alone. While nothing beats that face-to-face interaction, this was the next best thing and made a real difference to people who really needed that assistance at such a crucial time.