‘To tell you I’m grateful is an understatement’: Hair and Beauty X Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey has worked together with Highlands College’s Hair and Beauty Department to say thank you to the charity’s all-important volunteers.

Free treatments were provided to Macmillan volunteers to say thank you for all they do to support people with a cancer diagnosis.

The event was a huge success and included wonderfully positive feedback from the charity.

Kevin Alway, Operations & Communications Lead at Macmillan Jersey, says he visited for a massage and admits to being skeptical of the treatment on offer from the students.

“I have never been happier to be wrong in my entire life.”

Kevin left this glowing review of treatment by Hair and Beauty student Mary Phillips.

“Nothing was rushed. Time stood still and I walked the tightrope between utter relaxation and knowing my muscles were getting a decent seeing too. After running the Great Bristol Run this weekend, I had specified my legs were slightly on the sore side … these have been prevailing since before the Guernsey Marathon in April, and to tell you I’m grateful is an understatement.

“It was evident that [Mary] had left such an impression on you [Victoria], and the pride you displayed towards her was heartening. Whilst walking back I was thinking about this – and whilst Highlands may lose an exemplary student…Jersey gains.

“This island talks all the time about retaining talent, and this is a prime example.

“I haven’t felt this relaxed for years. As a parent of a 19-month-old girl whose passion is waking up at 3am providing vocals a heavy metal band would be proud of…it was only when I walked out of there, I realised how much I needed that, and what a fantastic therapist she is.

“Her manner was calming, she was highly personable and you can tell she will thrive in an environment like The Grand.

“Please pass on my sincere thanks; from a Macmillan Jersey employee, a dad, a runner – and a human being. It’s very rare do we get to completely forget and relax, and today has provided me time… the most valuable resource anyone can give.”

Highlands College Hair and Beauty Department also hosted BBC Jersey, so keep your eyes peeled for the coverage on radio and TV.