A few weeks ago the grandparents kindly took the kids on holiday so I made the most of the opportunity and booked a weekend away in the Lake District. I didn’t want to be disappointed by the good old “Great British weather” by booking somewhere near the sea so I opted for fresh air, rambling countryside, quaint little villages and breathtaking scenery. And if it rained...so what, the umbrella would just have to come out!

It was 10 days since my last treatment so I was over the worst part and feeling well. We arrived at the hotel, a beautiful old English mansion yet recently modernised inside. It was a risk booking this off the internet yet the risk paid off when my smile on arrival said it all. It was perfect. The weather remained unsettled all day but that didn’t stop us eating lunch in the outdoors and stopping off for drinks in the open air overlooking the most beautiful of views.

After a stroll around the local village, we headed back to the hotel, read the papers on our balcony overlooking the gardens and then went down to the lobby to read my favourite self help book whilst enjoying a cheeky martini!

Dinner was booked for 8pm and I’d already scoured the menu of the 2 AA star restaurant and decided what I was having even though it was only 5pm.

I felt relaxed with a feeling of well being...all of which is vital in the healing process of any illness. Taking time out for myself and to chill and relax has become a top priority for me now as I never really knew what it was before being diagnosed. What? Time for me with 2 small children, a home and a business to run? And now I have cancer to add to the equation with multiple hospital visits and appointments to keep. I most certainly make time for me now knowing the importance of it and the influence relaxation time has on my health. Thank goodness I have wonderful parents to help out.

Never again will I postpone that holiday or put off that weekend away. Making time to do things I enjoy with people I love will always be a priority to me now I have a new perspective on life.

O'Neills Hair and Beauty has been nominated for a Customer Service award this week. To vote log on to www.thebestof.co.uk/awards. I would really appreciate your vote. Many Thanks

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