Sheffield therapist at the sharp end of earthquake relief effort

The acupuncturist, of Hunters Bar, went to the country to help set up a free rural clinic at Bhimphedi in the Kathmandu Valley. She gave treatments to villagers and witnessed the damage the disaster caused to isolated communities.

Since returning, she has decided to continue her support for Nepal, and is holding a charity day at the Stillpoint Practice on Montgomery Road, Nether Edge, on Saturday. She will speak about her experiences and offer treatments on a donation-only basis from midday to 4pm.

Kimberley, aged 28, said: “Following the earthquake there were many people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and other stress-related issues. That’s the great thing about acupuncture - it works physically and emotionally.”

She said her trip was ‘emotionally and physically harrowing at times, but definitely worth it’.

The therapist, who works out of the Osteopathic Practice in Broomhill as well as the Stillpoint Practice, helped to treat over 600 patients in Nepal. Fundraising collected over £2,300 which provided medical supplies and trained interpreters for seven weeks.

Kimberley, who trained at the Northern College of Acupuncture in York, travelled with the Acupuncture Relief Project, a US-based, non-profit organisation. She said the therapy is not commonly available in Nepalese society, but added: “There are huge benefits. I’m definitely going back again some time soon.”