Story By: Elena Kalioglo, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

A beauty salon specifically for mums struggling to look after seriously ill children has been set up in a hospital.

The project is the idea of Olga Davydova, a 39-year-old resident of the city of Krasnogorsk which is in the Moscow area after she visited her niece who was seriously ill with cancer in a local hospital.

She said that she realised when she was there for the first time three years ago that the mums in the oncology ward at the Moscow City Oncologic Center N.N.Blokhin rarely had any time for themselves, struggling to deal with their other responsibilities and the added burden of caring for a sick child.

Pictures Credit: CEN/ Oliga Davidova

As a result she decided to try and do something for the mothers, offering a free service that includes hairdressers, make up, manicures, masseurs and even for the adventurous experts offering tatters and star readings. And although Olga’s niece later got better, she continued with the project.

She said the aim was for the mothers to feel better about themselves and have some fun, and at the same time entertainers were provided for the children while the mothers were at the beauties salon.

At the same time as the gathering, people have also started donating gifts for the parents which are handed out and people turning up have also been offering their services for free.

The “Day of Beauty” event only happens monthly and although it’s also open to carers and even the kids themselves, it’s mainly for the mothers who have no time even to go to the shops for themselves.

Every time they are open for business essay about a hundred mothers come along.

Speaking to Central European News (CEN), Olga said: “I am really grateful to the assistance from the local community. The teachers for example of the local Krasnogorsk nursery school No. 42, Ekaterina Konushkina, has been organising parents and children to help with what we do.”

Olga added: “We have qualified professionals to make sure we create special moments to remind mothers that they are beautiful, and make children that are happy.”

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