4 February 2026
Meet Grace – our oncology beauty therapist at University Hospital Southampton
This World Cancer Day, we reflect not only on those living with cancer, but also on the people who make a real difference in their lives. One of those people is Grace. We met with her to learn more about her role as an oncology beauty therapist at University Hospital Southampton.
When cancer takes so much away, sometimes it’s the small things that matter most. A relaxing hand massage. A fresh coat of nail polish. A moment to feel like yourself again. That’s where Grace comes in. For the past two and a half years, she’s been our oncology beauty therapist at University Hospital Southampton, funded entirely by your donations to Southampton Hospitals Charity. We sat down with her to find out what makes her work so special.
Tell us about yourself
“I’m Grace – or Gracie, as some people call me. I’m a beautician who specialises in oncology therapies. I’ve been in the industry for about 16 years now, and I absolutely love my job! I love meeting people, doing creative nails, having a giggle, or just being there for someone.”
What led you to oncology beauty therapy?
“When I owned my salon in Ashurst, customers would often tell me their friend or family member had cancer and wanted a treat to relax. So off they’d go to a spa – but as soon as they ticked the ‘I have cancer’ box, the spa couldn’t touch them.”
“At the point when someone just wants a little bit of normality, it’s yet another thing cancer takes over. So I decided to start training, so I could help.”
What has surprised you most?
“I wasn’t sure how it would feel working in a hospital after years in a salon. But actually, a lot of the time it still feels like a salon. Most patients just want to feel like themselves again. We have a laugh, a catch-up, sometimes a cry. I bring a safe space for patients. And the biggest surprise is that I’ve learnt to see past the medical equipment – I just see people wanting some pamper time.”
Have any experiences stood out where you could clearly see the impact of your work?
“One story has really stuck with me recently. A male patient approached me asking if I could help with his feet. I popped into the all-male bay and gave him a relaxing foot massage. Mid-treatment, he asked if he could have his nails painted – for a laugh! Of course I was up for it. We had a giggle picking a colour with glitter. While I was finishing his toes, the patient in the next bed asked for the same. Then another! It was such a fun bay to work in. When I left, the head nurse found me to say: ‘You’ve made these patients so happy today.’ Apparently all the nurses were popping into the bay to see the men wiggling their new glitter toes!”
Grace’s work at University Hospital Southampton is made possible by your donations. On World Cancer Day, stories like Grace’s remind us that care goes beyond treatment – it’s about compassion, connection and helping people feel like themselves again.
Thank you Grace for helping us bring moments of joy and normality to patients when they need it most.