Hospice nurses invited to TV star’s house

Earlier this year, actress and Dancing on Ice star Linda visited the children’s hospice to see the care the charity provides. And she was so impressed with the work and the dedication of the care team that she invited a group of nurses to take a break and enjoy a day of pampering at her house in Hertfordshire.

Hayley Phillips and Vicky Tovell, both 33 and from Worthing, Estée Holleran, 32 from Bognor Regis and Helen Escayg, 34, from Goring were the four lucky nurses to be picked to enjoy the makeover session and photo shoot by Linda, who is also a talented photographer.

Chestnut Tree House nurses work long shifts, particularly through the night, and often have to deal with situations which can be quite challenging and upsetting.

Vicky said: “As a mum of three children myself, I often find it quite upsetting when the children are very poorly and staying at the house for end-of-life care. However hard I find it, though, I am able to comfort the family in difficult times, because I know the bond a mother has with her child is like no other.”

The first nurse to have her beauty session was Hayley. She is a busy mum of two girls and has turned her life around in the last year having lost approximately 10 dress sizes.

She said: “I was excited when I was asked if I would like a makeover by Linda Lusardi. I never wear makeup as I definitely don’t have time and I was intrigued to know how different I could look, especially as I have now lost the weight.

“Now that I have seen the results of Linda’s handiwork I am impressed.”

Helen, a mum of a little boy who is expecting her second baby in December, said: “I am not a girly girl and don’t ever wear makeup, but thought that this makeover opportunity would be a nice day out for me and my bump and give me a little ‘me time’ before the baby arrives. ”

Finally, it was Estée’s turn to be transformed by Linda.

She said: “It’s a rare opportunity for me to have a day just to myself and I think the photography session really helped me to relax a little and now, seeing the finished product, I am pleased with the way I looked.”