SpaFest, an annual wellness event for the spa and wellness industry, held the first SpaFest Gives Back at The Carden Park Estate, Cheshire, on 14 June 2022.
The inaugural SpaFest Gives Back was attended by 40 people going through treatment for cancer, as well as those who are supporting them in their journey. It was a nurturing, compassionate wellness day at the Spa at Carden, where attendees were invited to enjoy the award-winning spa facilities including the large Spa Garden and indoor thermal facilities, overlooking Cheshire’s tranquil countryside. Being one of the leading spas in the UK, many guests commented that visiting the luxury spa was on their ‘Life List’ and were delighted to be able to enjoy the space in such an intimate environment. This unique event was a partnership between SpaFest and Carden Park, supported by the British Beauty Council, SATCC (Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care) and UKSA (UK Spa Association) to spearhead and innovate change.
To celebrate positivity and optimism, The ‘Giving Back to Life SpaFest Awards’ presented awards for Compassion, Innovation, Courage, Leadership and Inspiration, with spa prizes donated by Carden Park and Made for Life Organics.
Award winners:
- Compassion – Angie Jones
- Innovation – Laura Broady
- Courage – Louise Tyson
- Inspiration – Heather Wilkinson
Emma Pridding, Spa Director at Spa at Carden Park states; “The event was such a pleasure to host alongside the amazing Amanda Winwood and Made for life. The feedback was fantastic from our lovely guests. I personally wanted to lead with a clear message that Spas should welcome all, so that people on a journey with Cancer can confidently come along to our spa and be able to safely have a spa treatment or experience. I am already looking forward to the next event in October.”
SpaFest Gives Back featured a line-up of inspiring speakers, including Iain Bell, Founder of the Executive Fitness Foundation, who lead an empowerment and integrative empowerment session, and Carden Park’s Executive Head Chef, Graham Tinsley MBE demonstrating a healthy cooking session. Guests then had the choice of a one-hour workshops led by specialists: Laura Broady, Aromatherapy for Life; Mark Smith, Kalm Horizons Meditation and Sarah Blumenau, Find your Voice.
During the afternoon, 20-minute taster sessions of Touch Therapy were provided by Carden Park and Made for Life Touch Therapy specialists. There was a deep meditative sleep area where guests experienced 20-minute taster sessions of the new Circadian Rhythm Reset Ritual combining Gharieni’s new concept bed and Made for Life Organics. Guests received a goody bag of products and enjoyed products and therapies from Gharieni, Made for Life Organics, Murad and Therapy Teas from Camellia’s Tea House.
Amanda Winwood, founder of SpaFest and Made for Life Organics stated: “The first SpaFest Gives Back was an absolutely wonderful event. The feedback from the guests has been heart-warming. When you get an email from someone living with cancer, who has not left their home for two years, taking the time to let you know that they walked with their granddaughter to school the next day there is something profoundly moving and you know that you have made a difference. That is what happened at this event. I am grateful beyond words, for all the support from the team at Carden Park, along with all the speakers and sponsors for helping make SpaFest Gives Back an absolute joy”.
