Lise, Nicola and Lisa’s Kiltwalk Story: Walking for Comfort, Dignity and Care

Every year, thousands of people take on the Kiltwalk to support causes close to their hearts. Among them this year, are three remarkable NHS Lothian members of staff – Lise Brown, Nicola Dargo and Lisa Laval – who are walking, not just for the challenge, but for the patients and families they care for every day.

Representing the East Lothian Palliative Care Team (ELPCT), Lise, Nicola and Lisa are passionate about enhancing quality of life by preventing and alleviating suffering. They see firsthand the incredible difference that support can make during immensely challenging times.

This year, they are taking on the 20-mile Kiltwalk Mighty Stride in aid of NHS Lothian Charity, so that the team can continue to bring additional comfort and support to the patients they care for.

One of the invaluable services that generous donations support is the Complementary Therapy Service. This service provides additional support and comfort to patients and carers when it’s most needed. Alongside day-to-day medical care, complementary therapy can help reduce pain, nausea and fatigue, as well as improving emotional wellbeing, by reducing anxiety and stress.

What makes this service so valued is its focus on care at home. For patients facing life-limiting illnesses, being in their own familiar environment provides immense comfort, dignity, and independence. Therapists, guided by individual needs, deliver gentle massage and mindfulness practices directly in patients’ homes. As one patient shared, “I wouldn’t have been able to leave the house to get this treatment so was very much appreciated.”

Lise Brown also adds:

The Complementary Therapy service is invaluable in helping improve the overall wellbeing of our patients and their loved ones, it can help support the management of symptoms with the aim being to have a positive impact on quality of life.” Lise Brown, Senior Community Palliative Care Nurse Specialist

Taking part in the Kiltwalk is far more than a walk and a great atmosphere; it’s also about raising money to help bring these moments of peace and comfort to patients and families right when they need it most.