Part of Boffa Hospital will be transformed into a haven of relaxation tomorrow as cancer patients will be able to submit themselves to the pleasures of being pampered and receiving informative health and beauty sessions.

Abigail Camenzuli, 28, and Elysia Mercieca, 24, busy themselves with the final preparations of Aurora Support Service’s first beauty day, decorating the rooms with scented candles, delicate pink and white ribbons, smooth stones and dainty floral arrangements.

The two nurses developed the support service at the beginning of the year to offer a ray of light for patients with cancer who need chemotherapy. Cancer patients often had to go through a number of devastating changes, including nail, hair and skin.

“We know that patients with cancer suffer an enormous amount of stress and, often enough, their disease also affects their body image,” Ms Mercieca explains. “This can have a negative impact on their confidence and ability to proceed with their everyday lives.”

“We’ve always wanted to do this,” Ms Camenzuli adds.

“Our beauty days will be held once a month. They’re aimed mostly at patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but cancer patients in general who were treated at public hospitals are also welcome.”

The nurses will be collaborating with people from the cosmetic industry to help the patients look as well as possible. The beauty days will be purely voluntary events with no money being raised.

Patients will be given the opportunity to attend a workshop delivered by professional beauty therapists, where they will be taught relaxation and meditation techniques to help them cope with the pressure and stress, as well as information about skin and nail care.

They will be shown how to apply make-up and how to create natural home-made remedies. They will also take home a beauty handbook as well as a goody bag full of cosmetic gifts.

Patients who attend the sessions will also be given the opportunity to book an appointment for a free one-to-one treatment session of their choice, offered by the beauty therapists. They can choose from a vast array of treatments, including facials, massages, reflexology and make-up sessions.

“All the essential oils used are suitable for people receiving chemotherapy. We hope our beauty days will give our patients a little personal kindness, warm support and tender pampering.”

Cancer patients who would like to attend the free beauty days are invited to contact Aurora Support Service on 2298 7156 or 7900 0495.