Soothing Scents: How Exeter Leukaemia Fund's Aromatherapy Service Supports Blood Cancer Patients

Facing a diagnosis of blood cancer brings emotional and physical challenges. In these difficult moments, care that nourishes both the body and the mind becomes crucial. Recognising this, Exeter Leukaemia Fund provide an aromatherapy service, offering patients a calming and therapeutic experience alongside their medical treatment. 

At the heart of this service is Rosalind Lacey, a skilled and compassionate aromatherapist whose work has already touched many lives. With a background in Further Educational teaching and supporting people with learning disabilities, and experience in nursing homes and day centres, Ros brings a unique depth of understanding to her practice. Her approach is both gentle and responsive, tailored carefully to the individual needs of each person she works with.  

Aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils to promote physical and emotional wellbeing, offers a host of benefits for those undergoing treatment for blood cancers. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplants can leave patients feeling exhausted, anxious, and sometimes in pain. Therapeutic aromatherapy sessions with Ros provide a welcome respite; an opportunity to relax, breathe deeply, and reconnect with a sense of inner peace. 

Each session is carefully crafted around the needs of the patient. Using natural oils known for their therapeutic properties, Ros uses blends that can help ease symptoms such as nausea, sleeplessness, anxiety, and muscle tension. Whether through gentle massage of hands, feet, back, neck or shoulders and the breathing in of aromas, patients are offered a safe and comforting space to unwind. 

Ros’ background makes her particularly attuned to adapting her sessions to different needs. Having worked with people with complex communication and sensory needs, she is skilled in noticing the subtleties of how someone responds; whether through a small gesture, a change in breathing, or simply a feeling in the room. This attentiveness ensures that each patient feels seen, heard and truly cared for. 

Beyond the physical benefits, the emotional support that aromatherapy offers is invaluable. Living with blood cancer often brings a rollercoaster of emotions, from fear and anger to sadness and uncertainty. A session with Ros is more than just a treatment; it is an act of kindness and connection. The soothing scents and gentle touch help to create a moment of peace, reminding patients that they are more than their illness; they are individuals deserving of care, dignity, and comfort. 

The aromatherapy service is available to patients' receiving treatment at the Haematology Centre at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. It forms part of ELF’s broader commitment to holistic care, recognising that cancer support must address not just the disease, but the whole person. 

Through her thoughtful, patient-centred work, Rosalind Lacey is making a real difference to people’s lives. Her aromatherapy sessions are not just a luxury; they offer comfort, hope, and humanity at a time when they are needed most. 

Thanks to the generosity of ELF supporters, Ros’ sessions are offered free of charge. With your help, our services can reach more people across Devon living with blood cancer. Please consider supporting ELF today, your donation makes a real difference in the fight against blood cancer.