Moya Cole Hospice volunteer complimentary therapist wins prestigious Cavell Star Award
Cavell Star Awards are given to nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who shine bright and show exceptional care to either their colleagues, their patients, or to their patients’ families
Volunteer at Moya Cole Hospice, Peter Mackereth has been awarded the Cavell Star Award for his work incorporating complementary therapies into cancer and hospice care.
Edith Cavell, whom the awards are named after was a British nurse during the First World War. She is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from both sides and for helping over 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium.
Peter was surprised with the award in a meeting at Moya Cole Hospice on Thursday, October 30.
Peter and Ann Carter, a former Complementary Therapy Coordinator at Moya Cole Hospice were at the hospice discussing their new publication: ‘Guidelines for Complementary Therapies Practice in Supportive and Palliative Care’ on behalf of the National Association of Complementary Therapists in Supportive and Palliative Care.
This is a new version of the ‘Guidelines’ originally authored by Marianne Tavares, published in 2003.
Peter and Ann have, according to them, 60 years of practice in complementary therapies between them. They have previously written books together.
Peter said it was a wonderful surprise to receive the Cavell Star Award at Moya Cole Hospice.
Edith Cavell has always been a hero of mine for what she did for nursing and how she stood up and helped people. I love the work that I do and the work that I do here at Moya Cole Hospice. I’m still a registered nurse and I’m still engaged in research and teaching. It’s so wonderful to receive this award Peter Mackereth, Moya Cole Hospice Volunteer
Chief Executive of Moya Cole Hospice, Rachel McMillan presented Peter with the award.
“I really value complementary therapy, certainly in hospice care. It gives me great pleasure to be able to award Peter the prestigious Cavell Star Award. This is an extremely prestigious award within the nursing profession. Peter has won this award because of his contribution to complementary therapy both in the NHS and hospice care,” Rachel said.
Peter started nurse training in 1976 and has worked in intensive care, neurology and oncology. He has an MA in Medical Ethics and has completed a PhD study investigating reflexology and progressive muscle relaxation training for people living with multiple sclerosis. Peter trained in acupuncture, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy massage and reflexology. Currently, Peter teaches on the Digital Oncology programmes for Student Nurses at The Christie. Peter has authored numerous papers and edited 7 books. He speaks nationally and internationally on complementary therapies.
For over 15 years, Peter led the Complementary Health and Wellbeing Team at The Christie. Peter’s recent studies have evaluated interventions for needle anxiety, cancer related fatigue, smoking cessation, peripheral neuropathy and breathlessness. Peter joined Moya Cole Hospice in 2016 as a volunteer therapist after taking retirement – this was interrupted briefly when he returned to practice as a vaccination nurse during the COVID pandemic.
To learn more about Peter and Ann’s new publication ‘Guidelines for Complementary Therapies Practice in Supportive and Palliative Care’, click here.