Camp Simcha’s annual Mums’ Spa Day returned this month, marking 15 years since the charity first set aside a dedicated day of self-care and respite for the mothers it supports.

What began as a simple but powerful idea, that these women deserved a day entirely of their own, has now grown into one of the most anticipated events in Camp Simcha’s calendar.

Swapping hospital appointments for spa robes and medication schedules for a full day of pampering, the spa day provided a rare opportunity for 50 mums to step away from the daily challenges of having a seriously ill child, offering ‘one day to breathe’.

Central to the day’s success is the generosity of the professionals who give their time.  Among them was Daniella McKenzie, a hairdresser and trichologist whose own clients include families supported by Camp Simcha.

Having witnessed firsthand the weight these mothers carry, she wanted to find a way to give something back.

“I found out about Camp Simcha because a few of my clients are supported by the charity.  Listening to them, I was really drawn to help as they’ve spoken so highly of the charity and the support they receive.

“I knew I really wanted to be involved.  I get quite nervous with new things, but I wanted to help Camp Simcha – and the spa day was the perfect opportunity to offer my services.”

Hosted in the North London home of a generous supporter, mums selected from a menu of treatments, rejuvenating massages and facials, manicures and pedicures, reiki and hair and make-up sessions as well as an opportunity to take a swim, before sitting down to a lunch and easy conversation that only happens when surrounded by women in the room who ‘get it’.

Camp Simcha Family Liaison Officer Samantha Charles who established Spa Day all those years ago explained that for many it’s a rare opportunity to decompress for a few hours and let someone else look after them.

“These ladies arrive holding so much, and then slowly, over the course of the day you see something in their face has shifted.  They aren’t worrying about what they need to do next, they are just in the moment, and that’s why we do this.

“A big thank you also has to go to the therapists who generously give their time and all the staff who make it happen.

“The messages that followed said it all, mums saying thank you, saying they’d needed it more than they realised, and that it was a healing experience that left them on a high.”

Summing up the day, Daniella concluded: “These women are amazing.  I found it so fulfilling and it felt a real privilege to be a part of such a special day.  I can’t wait to come back next year – if you’ll have me again!”

The London Mums’ Spa Day is one of six annual ‘wellness’ events Camp Simcha runs for parents. Next month sees the Manchester Mums’ Spa Day – as well as two other mums’ wellness days and the newest addition to the calendar – two dads’ Spa Days.