A Dover mother is raising awareness of a Kent-wide charity which gives relaxation treatments to people with a host of illnesses.

Gillian Smissen, who runs a salon in Castle Street, is a trustee therapist for the Harmony Therapy Trust which supports people with life-altering conditions.

The charity, which has just had its fifth birthday, helps to bridge the gap between invasive medical treatment and the road to recovery or stability.

She said people are just starting to realise what services are on their doorstep in Dover, as the charity started in Sheerness.

Ms Smissen, 49, said: “People have been thinking it is just to help those with cancer but it is about anyone with a life-altering condition.

“It has been unknown but we are getting the name out there.”

She gives therapeutic massages and a one-on-one session with each client, often providing company and tailored help to each person.

It was two years ago when she became a part of it after realising she could apply her hairdressing and beauty skills.

She said: “At first I intended to give away free treatments, my main reasoning was I was passionate to help others but it is about having that one-on-one, and I could offer that.”

At first she had an influx of people suffering from different cancers. Now some of the clients that flock to Gillian’s Dover-base include those with emphysema or Parkinson’s disease.

The trust’s service is available across the county with more than 50 therapists doing the same job but the main requirement is that patients are referred by GPs, oncology departments or senior medical nurses for insurance purposes.

There can be up to six free appointments, every two weeks or once a month, depending what is appropriate for each person.

“We involve the carers as well,” she said.

“Some people don’t get any help themselves and it is about having time for them too.”

The trust is not NHS funded and relies entirely on donations.

To make a financial pledge, visit www.justgiving.com/harmonytherapytrust. To find out more from Gillian Smissen’s work, call: 01304 800108 or 07976372860.