Our Aims

It is the aim of the Shine Bright Foundation to be able to offer Reiki and Reflexology treatments to people who are currently receiving breast cancer treatment in the Crewe and Nantwich area. St Lukes Hospice in Winsford offer similar therapies and the Shine Bright Foundation wishes only to further enhance what is available and not replace, so any therapies available are in addition to those offered by St Lukes.

A recent academic research study at Huddersfield University have shown Reiki to be beneficial, with a particular focus on women with cancer. The Huddersfield Research project concluded that ‘Reiki could be a beneficial tool in the self-management of quality of life issues for women with cancer’. The study discovered benefits such as ‘a release from emotional strain’, ‘a clearing of the mind from cancer’ and ‘feelings of inner peace and relaxation’. Further details about the study can be found here: Reiki Aids the Wellbeing of Cancer Suffers

Reiki is a way of healing through positive energy being passed through the practitioners hands. Originating in Japan, Reiki can bring about a deep state of relaxation and calm which can aid wellbeing. Reiki treatments normally last for around an hour and the recipient will remain fully clothed as they relax on a massage couch, or a chair if preferred. It is common to experience deep feelings of relaxation, heat or cold, intense emotions or even visions of bright intense colours. There is no ‘usual’ experience with Reiki and it is very subjective with recipients having completely different experiences with each treatment session.

Reflexology is a popular complementary therapy. Reflexologists generally work on the feet, using a number of different techniques they apply gentle pressure to specific areas on the foot, stimulating reflex points on the foot. The benefits of Reflexology include, relieving stress, aiding sleep, increasing energy levels, and bringing about a general sense of wellbeing

There are 6 full one hour sessions available for either Reiki or Reflexology. These sessions will be fully funded by both the Shine Bright Foundation and the Navitas Centre. There will be either a telephone or face to face consultation to establish the best therapy to meet your needs. The Navitas Centre also offers other therapies, which may be discussed during the consultation. During the consultation there will be also the opportunity to discuss learning Reiki and the benefits of doing so.

“I am so overwhelmed. Thank you so much for your huge gesture!!! Having some hair that will make me feel “more normal” and able to grow in confidence coming out of treatment will be truly amazing!!! It means so much. Your cheque means I don’t have to loan money and takes away the worry of having to pay it back too. It has been an anxious 6 months for my family and I but the support and guidance given by you and Shine Bright has been wonderful.

The alternative therapies reflexology and reiki to help with my anxiety during and after treatment have helped me cope and continue with my family life. The advice you gave me for healthy living helped me to get ready and be in the best shape possible prior to my treatments. I know the lovely people at Shine Bright will continue to be there for me in the future. I can’t thank you and the Shine Bright charity enough. I will give back to you in some way and if there is anything I can help the charity with please let me know” – Sue

If anyone is struggling with lymphodema then it may be worth considering Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage. Attached is a link explaining what it is and there is also a list of practitioners. Find out more about Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage

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Raised Funds Go Directly To Research

Originally, our chosen benefactor was the Imperial College (Hammersmith) Hospital in London, who have an oncology research team headed by Professor Justin Stebbing. This team are carrying out research into Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Following a recent breakthrough in identifying the gene that causes TNBC the team are researching the development of new cancer treatments.

The Shine Bright Foundation was established by family and friends to help fund research and treatments in to Triple Negative Breast Cancer. We also help patients cope with the stress of the decease.

The SHINE BRIGHT FOUNDATION was launched in November 2013 at our first fundraising event. In 2014 various fundraising events took place which included a half-marathon run, long distance walks and a number of other events. Since then, the fundraising has continued at an ever-increasing rate.

In January 2015, due to everybody’s fundraising we were able to make our initial donation of £5000 to them. Each £5000 donation provides a PhD Scientist in Professor Stebbing’s research team with all the experimental consumables required to carry out their work for a period of 4 months.

In April 2017 we had a meeting with Sacha Howell, one of the top Oncologists at The Christie who are leading experts in cancer care, research and education, based in Manchester. The research centre has some fantastic trials, and to help their cause Shine Bright Foundation agreed to donate £17,000 for two breast cancer trials, one of which is specifically targeting Triple Negative Breast Cancer. In July 2018 we added another £30,000 to the original amount. It’s only possible for us to make this donation because of all the support from the fantastic people who continue to give their time and efforts so generously and we are massively grateful. This is an important part our charity fundraising and we will be providing funds to Dr Sacha Howell’s Research team at THE CHRISTIE when ever possible – Thank you!

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Fund Holistic Treatments in Our Area

During their cancer journey many people have found that alternative treatment running alongside medical intervention has proven to be beneficial.

Reiki, counselling and ‘me time’ are all important, however sometimes finding somewhere local that can offer these alternative therapies is a challenge. In the Crewe and Nantwich area we have recognised that there are no places offering this support (the nearest place is St Luke’s Hospice in Winsford).

We have teamed up with Simon and Katie Bailey of the Navitas Centre in Shavington to tap into their wealth of expertise in alternative therapy and provide individuals living with cancer with reiki and reflexology treatments but also to enable people to learn reiki for themselves so that they can self-treat.

It is our intention to provide people diagnosed with breast cancer and their families with a support network.

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Raise Awareness Of The Symptoms Of TNBC

We are constantly reminded how important self-examination for women is, and also identifying out of the ordinary changes in the body.

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is crucial. A lot of cancer treatments have a greater success rate if the cancer is detected early and treatment is administered early enough and acted upon. We aim to add to the massive education by reminding people to check themselves via social media, leaflets and through our web site.