Wrexham skin clinician battles back from cancer to be named nurse of the year at safety awards

A NURSE who built a pioneering skincare business while battling cancer has won one of the UK’s top beauty awards.

Sara Cheeney was named Aesthetic Nurse of the Year at the Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards in London.

The prizegiving celebrates the professionals, brands and service providers that go the extra mile in pursuit of the highest standards of safety in a sector increasingly tainted by untrained clinicians and beauty therapists.

The mum-of-two, who opened Pure Perfection Clinic in Rossett three years ago, says the victory has made her even more determined to rid the industry of unregulated and unscrupulous practitioners.

“To come back from cancer to launch the business and win a prestigious award is a big deal for me, it’s huge,” said Sara, who lives with husband Chris and their two children in Llangollen.

“Three years ago, I was having chemotherapy and recovering from surgery, and now here I am feeling fit and healthy and leading a successful clinic.

“I can’t thank my team and all of our customers enough for their support, and to the judges for giving us this prize – it’s completely overwhelming.”

She added: “Some of the top clinics from Harley Street in London and across the UK were in attendance, so to win is a big honour.”

Pure Perfection Clinic has been revamped and refurbished in weeks, and Sara has taken on three new staff, including another aesthetician.

“We are growing, enquiries are rising, and the business is in a good place,” she said.

“There are plans to expand further – including a training academy – but for now we are going to enjoy this award and continue to grow organically.”

The recent launch of a revolutionary skin-tightening machine was also a big hit with prospective and current clients, and Sara plans to hold a similar event in the autumn.

“We are bringing in new machines and technology, but ultimately every single thing we do is about clinical standards, and that’s why winning a Safety in Beauty Award means so much,” said the 37 year-old.

“I’ve been in the industry for 12 years and worked so hard to do things the right way, while there are people out there who are not properly qualified, so patients are always coming to me after botched treatments and scary experiences.

“We don’t do anything that hasn’t had clinical trials and a safety profile behind it, we work tirelessly in this region to improve standards and will continue to do so.”