Story originally posted on 24 April 2009.

A therapeutic massage service, funded by a Trust set up in memory of a nurse, is making a difference to patients undergoing liver transplants at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

The work of Sharon Reynolds at the liver unit is funded by the Sally Painting Trust. Sally's husband Mike and her parents Graham and Val Passey were at the unit for an update on the service launched a year ago.

Sally became a specialist nurse for the Trust after she had a liver transplant in 1994. After her death in January, 2005 a hospital ward was named in her memory and family and friends set up the Trust which is now supporting people facing similar challenges.

Sharon, an experienced physiotherapist, also works with the team at the haematology department - the sessions with bone marrow transplant patients are funded by the Karen Morris Memorial Trust.

Patients who have undergone challenging treatments are valuing the service on offer. Sharon explained: "There are a wide range of benefits for patients. Many are going through hefty treatments that can be very stressful and this is giving them relief and helping to relieve aches and pains. I am a physiotherapist and see massage as a core skill that can make a difference to the psychological well being of the patients."

She added: "When I first started I felt a huge responsibility to Val and Graham to make it work so I am really glad that we have had such a positive response. A patient once said to me: 'Doctors give us treatment but you give us a treat'."

The Trustees are delighted with the response from patients. Sally's mum Val said: "One of the things I miss most is Sally's hugs. She was a very tactile person and would have been really pleased to be a part of this so I am thrilled to bits to see the service is a success."

Sally's dad Graham said: "Sally was very keen on reflexology and giving a personal touch so this is the icing on the cake. I'm delighted at how successful this has been and I'm sure Sally is looking down and giggling."

Husband Mike added: "Hospitals are busy places and treatment can be quite business like but having someone who can really be there for the patient, just for them is great."

Transplant coordinator Tracy Dudley said: "Liver transplants are very complex technical operations. The patient is usually very ill before their transplant and have to spend a lot of time recovering afterwards, often spending a lot of time in isolation therefore having someone there for them who can relax them and care for them in a very personal way is invaluable."

Consultant Charles Craddock added: "Sharon has made an immense impact and provides a service which is extremely valuable to the patients - it's fantastic."