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We care for 500 in patients and make more than 5,000 home visits a year.
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Special pamper day held for patients
05 August 2011
Patients receiving care from Saint Francis Hospice have enjoyed a special day of pampering where they picked up make-up and beauty advice to help them feel better.
The day took place at the Havering-atte-Bower hospice on July 26th and patients were treated to a skin cleansing demonstration by Stella Hales, who works on the Lancôme counter at House of Fraser, Lakeside.
Claire Barwell, from the Lancôme stand at Boots, Romford, gave make-up tips and they were supported by hospice volunteer complementary therapist Jenny Codling –all three women work with the charity Look Good Feel Better.
Representatives of HeadStrong, which provides cancer patients with advice about coping with hair loss, also gave a demonstration about scarf-tying techniques and looking after your hair and scalp. 
Patients each received a goody bag of products including foundation, make-up bag and lip balm, courtesy of local beauty companies and Look Good Feel Better.
Patient Freda Hill, from Rainham, who has cancer, said: “I really enjoyed the pamper day, it was a sheer joy. Since being diagnosed coming to Saint Francis Hospice is the best thing I have done. I’m able to socialise with other people with whom I have something in common, it gives my husband a break from caring for me and I can get physiotherapy, complementary therapy and all the help I need to keep me comfortable and at home.”
Janice Moore, from Romford, who has lung cancer, said: “I thought it was a fantastic day, something good for us all. I go to the day hospice each Wednesday and it helps me because not only am I pampered as I can get my hair done or have complementary therapy I can speak to the doctors or anyone in the medical team about any worries I have.”
June Tedaldi, from Brentwood, said: “I came in for my weekly day hospice visit and I wasn’t expecting this and it was lovely. I’ve been coming to the day hospice since May and the staff and everyone is so kind.”
Stella, from Rainham, whose husband Ivan received care as an inpatient before he sadly lost his battle with cancer in January, said: “The compassion and kindness the staff and volunteers gave to Ivan and my family meant so much during a difficult time. When Ivan came here from hospital he couldn’t believe all the care and services were provided free of charge and he wanted me and my family to do something to help. So I decided to help with this pamper day.
“Coping with a life-limiting illness can be daunting and stressful and the changes to your appearance can be hard to cope with, which can affect self-esteem and confidence. By sharing beauty tips with patients we hope it will boost their confidence and make them feel good.”
Lynda Head, the hospice’s Community Fundraising Manager, said: “This fantastic pamper event started with a simple conversation and before we knew it we had the support of Lancôme, House of Fraser, Boots, Headstrong, Look Good Feel Better and Brentwood-based company Danielle which donated mirrors. It was worthwhile to see all the patients relaxed, smiling and enjoying the day. Everyone agreed this is one event we really must do again. Thank you so much to everyone who donated goods or their time.”
