A COMPLEMENTARY therapist has completed an incredible 36 massages in five days, raising £210 for the Back on Track appeal.

Cora O'Mahony, of Burlish Park, Stourport, offered a full-on 30-minute massage at the knockdown price of £5, with all profits going towards the appeal.

Sessions ran from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9 and involved the new No Hands "back to basics" style, which uses the soft skin of the forearm for a deep and relaxing massage.

Mrs O'Mahony said: "It went really well. It was hard work but it was also very satisfying. I think people got a lot from it."

She explained: "People have not experienced this type of massage before. They were expecting something they were familiar with and got something more."

"I'm quite an energetic person and this was something different I could do to raise money for the appeal."

She said she massaged both men and women, who ranged in age from their early 20s to their 70s.

She added: "I was pleased that people got a lot of ease, especially in their back and shoulders, and I don't think they expected that in just half an hour."

Mrs O'Mahony, 54, is a lifelong member of Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club and a keen runner who has taken part in the London Marathon twice.

She said: "I am very glad to have contributed. I wanted to do something to help keep the athletics club and Stourport Hockey Club up and running.

"I take my hat off to all the people who have got involved in the appeal. All ages have got behind it and it has shown a real community spirit."

She added: "I think it is very important to get involved now that the appeal is so close to its target. We have to keep going and reach it."

Mrs O'Mahony said she attends training sessions at the athletics club on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and said everyone at the club was upbeat about the future.

She added that members were not disheartened by the recent further vandalism of club equipment and said they would continue to press forward.