THE Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice hosted another of its popular pamper days for its patients and relatives.

Nine patients including two from the in-patient unit and three relatives, came along to the hospice’s Dove Lounge where visiting makeup artist Lee Pycroft and her team led a makeover session, offering their services for free to patients and their relatives.

Lee, Katy and Amanda gave make-overs while Zaida and Paige offered hand massages and painted patients’ nails and toenails. Sue, a volunteer who leads armchair yoga sessions at the hospice, led a meditation session before lunch, after which everyone was treated to a wonderful buffet provided by the catering team.

Lee Pycroft has been in the beauty industry for more than 20 years, working with celebrities such as Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss and Naomi Watts, and in 2006 launched her own agency, MY-Management UK. Through MY-Makeover, the charity arm of her company, Lee offers complimentary makeover sessions to women who are facing challenging circumstances, using make-up as a tool for boosting self-esteem and aiding healing.

She said: “Where there is trauma, femininity is often forgotten. Make-up can be seen as trivial or frivolous, but actually it can be a valuable part of a self -care regime and, combined with touch and conversation, can help women find the femininity which they had forgotten about.”

This was the second pamper day which the hospice has held this year, thanks to the generosity of Lee and her team, and they hope to hold another in the Autumn.

One patient said “they made us feel amazing”, whileanother added “it really was amazing, all the ladies took so much time making us feel relaxed and comfortable” and a third said “its the friendliest, nicest place I’ve ever been to”.

For more information about volunteering call the voluntary services team on 01252 729542 or email [email protected]. The team is at present looking in particular for hairdressers who are able to volunteer their services at The Beacon Centre in Guildford.