Each month, one of Myton’s Patient & Carer Wellbeing patients can enjoy a complimentary service, which could be anything from a wash, cut, and blow dry to a beauty treatment from their Lead Beauty Therapist, Kacie. Purity Salons have even extended this offer to our patients’ carers, staff and volunteers who need a pick-me-up. But their reason for supporting The Myton Hospices is deeply personal.
Kyle’s mum, Gail, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in November 2019 and doctors later discovered it had spread to her brain.
Kyle said:
My grandfather died of the same cancer, which had also spread to his brain, when my mum was only 13, so I think she subconsciously knew what the outcome would be. But both mum and dad put on a brave face and had hope.“
Before we knew it had spread to her brain, she started treatment and reacted well, but was suffering with bad migraines. At this point, it was the height of Covid-19 so she wasn’t going out or seeing anyone. She would sit on the sofa with the blinds drawn and a damp flannel on her head due to the immense headaches.
She pushed for a scan but was put on a long waiting list until she was admitted to A&E, where a scan showed the tumour in her brain. She then started radiotherapy and she practically became a new woman! She was going shopping and going out with my dad, everything she stopped doing when she was first diagnosed.
Gail was admitted to hospital in June 2021 with a chest infection, and after a few weeks in the ward, she was discharged and went home.
Kyle continued:
She always knew she wanted to be at home when the time came, so we respected her wishes. Once she returned home, she stopped talking. I was lucky that the last time I saw her in hospital, she said “I love you”, and that ended up being the last thing she said to me.
Gail died on 14th July 2021, shortly after she returned home. Soon after her death, Kyle’s dad, Olly, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
Kyle commented:
We think dad was ill whilst he was caring for mum, but didn’t want to address it. The doctors were too busy focusing on his lungs that they didn’t realise he was susceptible to heart issues.
Olly had two heart attacks at the age of 50 in 2008 and 2009 but had looked after himself since. He was experiencing heart failure following his diagnosis, but this wasn’t picked up during his appointments as the focus was on his pulmonary fibrosis. Olly was short of breath due to his heart failure and was admitted to hospital.
Kyle continued:
Dad made it clear that he didn’t want to be alone, in hospital or at home when he died. We knew a hospice would be the best place for him to be. Sadly, he died in hospital on 4th January 2023 before my brothers and I could be by his side.
After inheriting some money, Kyle, a marketer by trade, and his partner Rhys, a talented hairstylist, decided to put it to good use by opening their own salon in Rugby. Despite both working full-time jobs, Kyle and Rhys dedicated their time to transforming their space into a beautiful salon, Purity Salons, which officially opened in June of this year.
Rhys commented:
Working in salons for the past five years, I knew I wanted to make some changes to the way we do things, such as providing specific lunch breaks (something that always managed to sneak away in many salons) and providing training for stylists to grow and evolve. We are also committed to being as environmentally friendly as possible, with eco-conscious practices in place such as recycling many of our waste products.
Kyle added:
We always knew we wanted to give back to the community with the business as well. Looking back at my experiences, I wish my parents had the care and support of a hospice during their final weeks and days of life. I knew if I could help Myton in any way, I would do it.
We hope that by offering these free treatments to Myton’s patients, it will give them an afternoon of ‘me time’ when they need it most, at a time where they might not be prioritising themselves in the way they used to. As the opportunity to open our salon came from my mum and dad, we see this as a great way for their memory to live.
Jill, one of our Patient & Carer Wellbeing patients, was lucky enough to be the first recipient of Purity’s generous offer, opting for a wash, cut and blow dry.
Jill said:
From the moment I walked in, I was made to feel as though nothing was too much to ask. I have problems with my legs, and Rhys made sure that the chair I was in for my hair treatment reclined and would enable me to be seated in a comfortable position throughout. I was made to feel really special and had such a lovely time. The team went above and beyond to make me feel relaxed and pampered and I cannot thank them enough.
Rhys added:
It was an honour to meet Jill and get to know her and her story. We had such a lovely afternoon together and I am so glad she enjoyed her time at our salon. It made me realise why I became a hairdresser. If you’re not in it to make people feel amazing, then you’re in the wrong job!
Tracey Evans, Patient & Carer Wellbeing Services Lead, commented:
When the lovely Kyle and Rhys first contacted me I was overwhelmed by their kindness and thoughtfulness. It was evident that through their own experiences, they fully understood the importance that having a little bit of pampering and time for ourselves is of utmost importance. Their acknowledgment that it is not only patients that need a lovely treat, but carers also. Sending everyone at Purity Salons a big thank you from The Myton Hospices.
Everyone at The Myton Hospices would like to say a big thank you to Kyle, Rhys and everyone at Purity Salons for their incredible generosity. This support will mean so much for our patients and carers.