​Treatment With A Special Touch

Since 2002, when the Spa was first built, there have been many improvements and additional features for our guests to enjoy. This summer we have already seen the very popular outdoor hot tub open, and now we are delighted to announce the introduction of the Amethyst Trust into our Spa treatment offerings.

To learn more about the Amethyst Trust, Senior Therapist Sandy Richardson, has spoken about the trust, spa treatments and what it means to her to be able to treat people suffering with or recovering from cancer.

Amethyst is a charitable trust which was established to meet the needs of people who are suffering with, or have previously had, cancer and are seeking therapy in Spa’s or Salons. Typically, therapist training does not cover how to treat current cancer patients or anyone who has had cancer in the past five years. This is due to the old belief that massage treatment could spread the cancer. To combat this belief and lack of therapy widely available, the Amethyst Trust has been set up to make treatment possible.

The Amethyst training lasted one day in which our therapists were taught how to adapt treatments depending on the cancer and provide guests with the reassurance they need. Adaptations included how to position the guest, avoiding any areas of discomfort or concern and the correct massage touch to use. If a guest is currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, treatments will be gentle, for example, a light form of massage rather than a traditional Swedish massage. After 4-6 weeks from finishing chemotherapy or radiation, the therapists are allowed to give guests a more traditional style massage, still adapting everything to their comfort or needs.

At Stoke Park, treatment will provide guests with physical and emotional confidence and give them the ‘touch they need’. It can also be a remedy to feel a sense of relaxation and help nausea or sleep. Importantly, Sandy also highlighted the reassurance that the therapists will not spread the cancer.

“It is so nice to be able to treat people who come here for a relaxing Spa day but have previously been disappointed that they could not have treatments due to the five year rule. I am thrilled to now be able to give the guests a sense of normality they deserve.” – Sandy Richardson