- Emma De Jonge used the experience of her own recovery as idea for clinic
- The Pixie Retreat will be open six days a week in Woodville
- Words from Josie helped Emma overcome her own illness
- The Pixie Retreat offers aromatherapy, massage therapy, reflexology, hopi ear candling and Reiki
A breast cancer survivor from Woodville has used the inspiration she received during her recovery to start her own health and well-being clinic.
Emma De Jonge will launch The Pixie Retreat at a special open day on Saturday (4-8pm) at 7, High Street, above Buckenhams Hair and Beauty..
But it is more than just a business for Emma who went through a treatment of chemotherapy between 2011 and 2012.
During that time, she had therapy from a woman called Josie - and it was her words of inspiration that moved Emma to provide a similar role.
"It all started when I had my breast cancer and was treated by Burton hospital," said Emma.
"I had an operation and chemotherapy. At that time, breast cancer patients were able to receive complementary therapies in between chemo cycles. The therapies were there to help with our mental health and well-being and were courtesy of the NHS.
"My therapist was called Josie.
"She was a breast cancer survivor herself, so it wasn't just her amazing aromatherapy massage that made me feel better, but the fact of actually seeing someone who's been on my journey and come out the other side.
"Josie was stood there looking like a complete woman in every sense of the word. It was very encouraging and inspiring to be treated by Josie, she counselled me during my treatment sessions and made me realise everything is going to be all right.
"Since then, I've always thought: 'Wouldn't it be great if everybody could have someone like Josie to help them along whatever journey they may be on'."
That sparked the idea for The Pixie Retreat where Emma will offer aromatherapy, massage therapy, reflexology, hopi ear candling and Reiki along with pregnancy massage - Indian Head Massage and oncology massage are to follow later in the year.
"People can drop in on Saturday for a chat about the therapies we are offering and see that we've created a safe, warm, inviting and relaxing environment," added Emma.
"I'll also be offering a mobile service to anyone who can't get to the room as well as corporate well-being days for local employers."
The Pixie Retreat opens next week in Woodville, near Swadlincote, and will be open every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and all day Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Prices will be in the region of £35 for an hour's treatment.
