“Cancer took my mum and step mum”

Newtown is set to enjoy one big collective pamper, which will hopefully raise vital funds for the fight against cancer.

 

But for the local woman behind the event being held at the Monty Club on March 26, there is a sad and very real story which has encouraged her to play her part in finding a cure for the killer disease and helping others.

 

Karen Smith (pictured third from right) lost both her mother and her step-mum to cancer and suffered her own health problems as a result. But she is back with a bang and is urging Newtown to treat itself to some beauty treatments for a great cause.

 

“I have arranged this evening as I have lost both my real mum & step mum to cancer,” said Karen who runs Natural Beauty in the town. “My mum loved me doing her make-up and painting her nails and my step-mum was very gifted at all areas of craft which gave me the inspiration to get the ladies from the Women’s Institute involved to help me make things for the night.”

 

A range of items will be on sale on the night and there will be a raffle as well as opportunities to try different treatments and creams with professionals on hand from a number of beauty backgrounds. All proceeds from the sale of these items will go to cancer research & breast cancer Wales.

 

Karen said that following the loss of mum, she suffered from depression and lost all her confidence to even leave the house. However, as she recovered, she found that a “bit of a pamper” helped and after turning 40, she decided to change her career and join the industry. She hopes to return to volunteering in the local day hospice and is registered to do volunteer work for two local mental health charities.

 

“I retrained as a beauty therapist and decided to do a mobile business for those who find it difficult to get to a salon,” she said. “And then this idea arose last year when I was thinking of ways to raise money. I have received so much support.

 

“The aim of the evening is for everyone to have a fantastic time meeting new friends trying out some new things that are all available locally and gaining some new confidence. I'm a big girl and certainly no size zero supermodel and believe the beauty industry is very much about feeling relaxed and pampered and feeling comfortable in your own skin.”

 

The people and organisations supporting the night underline just how much community spirit Karen has managed to generate.

 

So, in Karen’s words, the following have played their part so far in organising the event.

 

-          Claire from Suzanne's who has donated fabric for the ladies from Powys W.I to make the headscarves

-          Tregynon sewing group who have been busy sewing for the event.

-          Valerie Potter & the ladies from Glantwymyn knitting group.

-          Liz Andrews Cancer Research Wales Charity director

-          The lovely ladies from stepping stones Breast cancer support group

 

-          22" T.V from Vision Appliances

-          Eclectic guitar with amp from Newtown music centre

-          Two shooting jackets from Mid Wales Shooting Centre

-          Valet & Diamond bright paint seal from Furrows of Shrewsbury

-          One- hour sitting for an individual or family portrait plus 10" x 8" photo of their choice from Lilly May Photography

-          Voucher for two from Tom & Roy at Lloyds Hotel & Restaurant Llanidloes

-          Dressing gown & torch with tripod from Charlie's Stores

-          Willow Tree ornament from Rainbow's End

-          £25 voucher from Travelmaster Holidays Newtown

-          £20 voucher from Egos Newtown

-          £20 voucher from Clubsport Newtown

-          2 X £20 voucher from The Gulshan Newtown

-          Bottle of whisky & vodka from Tesco

-          Bottle of champagne from Ingear the driving instructor

-          Gift pack from Nikki's hair salon Kerry

-          Gift pack of organic products from Herbfarmacy

-          Gift pack from Mavala

-          Cake from Little Angels Cake Creations

-          Plants from Bloomers of Newtown

 

 

Jo from Jo & Co wigs Shrewsbury

Pam from Pamper House

Teresa Lewis of Natural Healing

The Bracon Trust