Over 80 mothers of sick children were given the chance to relax and breathe at a Camp Simcha mums’ spa day, held in both London and Manchester.

Hosted in the homes of two Camp Simcha supporters, the women were provided with a range of pampering treatments by volunteer therapists.

From massages and facials to manicures, pedicures, reiki and a yoga class, there was plenty to help ensure the mums left feeling re-energised and more relaxed than when they arrived.

One mother Rachel, who attended the London spa day, said: “Literally, the only 'me' time I was getting was a five-minute shower.

“The spa day gave me back that feeling of mattering, of just being, being pampered along with a bunch of people who 'got it'.

“When I sat having lunch, surrounded by my Camp Simcha family, I could really let go of the facade and be myself.

Mums enjoy some "me time" at Camp Simcha's Manchester spa day (Photo: Camp Simcha)

As for the pampering, Rachel said she was “hard pressed to pick my favourite moment of the day. Was it having that delicious, oh-yes-please-more-of-that-please massage? Getting gorgeous nails? Piling my plate with heavenly salads in rainbow colours, and just eating...slowly...with no rush? The chance to catch up with people in similar situations? I can't choose!”

Beauty therapist Michal Segal of The Skincare Spa Manchester, who volunteered to provide facials, said it was a privilege to be part of the day.

She said: “Listening to mums’ stories and hearing their strength, hope and resilience as they battle day to day with their loved ones, gave me a new appreciation of life… I just feel so much awe and respect for all those amazing Camp Simcha mums.”

Mum Katie (right) with one of the London spa day therapists (Photo: Camp Simcha)

Camp Simcha chief executive Daniel Gillis said: “For a mother caring for a seriously ill child, balancing the needs of that child’s condition alongside her other children, family responsibilities and perhaps even a career, can be beyond overwhelming at times.

“This is precisely the point when Camp Simcha’s mums’ spa day makes a tangible difference, offering the incredible women we support a well-deserved break and a chance to be with others who understand.”

Camp Simcha annually supports over 1,500 family members throughout the UK and provides a range of support services for families coping with serious childhood illness.