Health club operator Bannatyne Group has introduced specialist training for its spa therapists so they can offer treatments for clients affected by cancer.

Therapists have received training and accreditation from wellness for Cancer, a cancer-focused training organisation for the spa and wellbeing industry, to give them an insight into what clients with the illness may be going through, both physically and emotionally.

The group has seen a rise in the number of clients recovering from cancer over the past few years.

Karen Wilkinson, group head of spa, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer selected treatments for our clients who are living with cancer, that are both safe and relaxing.

“The training that our therapists received gave them a greater insight into the mind and physical condition of clients living with cancer, and allow them to adapt their services accordingly.

“We already support Look Good Feel Better, a charity that helps female cancer sufferers to look and feel their best, but this training will allow us to take our spas to the next level and help clients approach recovery from a more holistic angle.”

Julie Bach, executive director of Wellness for Cancer, praised the Bannatyne Group. She said: “I applaud Bannantyne management and staff for wanting to step up in a bigger way for their clients.

“Bannatyne spas will be our largest individual client within the United Kingdom and will be a global leader in showing other large-scale enterprises what is possible when we set our minds on our clients’ needs, and invest in staff to ensure that they are prepared.”