Christina Hatt, 62, London

Christina first visited The Haven in August 2009 a few weeks after her mastectomy following a recommendation from the Breast Cancer Support Specialist at St Mary's, Paddington.  At the time of her visit she had been told she had a metastasis to her upper chest and liver, and had a 50/50 chance of survival. Christina is now in great health and divides her time between London and Tunisia, where she runs a successful business offering luxury yoga holidays. Here is her story:

“When I first visited The Haven I was emotionally drained, in shock and traumatised, physically ill after the chemo, and was looking for some hope for my future.

The welcoming atmosphere that greeted me as I went through the chapel doors of The London Haven was heart-stopping. The tremendous relief, that finally you feel that you are with kind people who totally understand your cancer journey, and wish to give you support and every opportunity to help you recover which is different for all of us, as we and our cancers are unique. I personally found huge comfort talking to a sympathetic senior therapist who was the first person to really understand why my body, mind and spirit had such a bad reaction to the trauma of being cut open, having anaesthetic, strong drugs, chemo, and scans.

Then having a back massage, and being able to lie comfortably on a special bed which provides comfort for ladies with sore chests, was fantastic. As a sensitive, creative, feminine Libran, to lie in a pretty room, with a beautiful stained glass window, exquisite tiles, and to choose my own aromatherapy oils was such a treat after all the hospital smells, drugs, tubes and injections. Being touched and treated so carefully, kindly and warmly, brought tears of joy and relief to my eyes. I felt loved, cocooned, warm and safe in this healing sanctuary.

A few days later I had my first session with Gosia Gorna, who was just the perfect mind/body therapist for me. We had several sessions during 2009 and 2010, as I had many deep-rooted issues which required a great deal of hard work. With Gosia's excellent skills and guidance, I understood what it was about my life that I need to do to help myself both in terms of cancer recovery and also using my mind to help me stay well.”

Christina goes on to explain her passion for yoga and how she came to set up a holiday business:

“I first became interested in yoga after the birth of my second child. I was in the maternity ward of my local hospital, and I overheard some midwives talking about a new mother who had such an easy delivery because she had been practising "yoga breathing". I was shocked and amazed at this new technique and was determined to learn all about it as soon as I possibly could. I was also suffering from a bad back, due to two pregnancies with heavy babies, and being born with scoliosis of the spine. I hoped that yoga would ease this condition, and relieve my pain. It did, and so I became a yoga teacher.

In the summer of 1997, I first had the idea of changing my life by setting up a new business. I was at the time a single parent, and my two children were young adults, ready to flee the nest and be adventurous, so the time was right for a change. I met an air hostess on return from holiday, who said how she was too busy to go to a regular yoga class but loved the idea of going somewhere hot and luxurious, and doing yoga every day to feel the benefits. After some research, I soon realised that there was a market for people who didn't want to stay in basic accommodation and get up at sunrise, but who preferred the luxury of a five star hotel, with comfortable beds, room service, and civilised times for yoga, shopping, siestas and getting dressed up for dinner.

My work is extremely rewarding, and over the years, I have discovered that many clients find me when they themselves are ready to make changes in their lives. They use the time to think for themselves, and usually come to some decisions during the course of their holidays. Often, when you are busy working or preoccupied with day-to-day living, anything which requires major effort is too much to think about. So allowing yourself time to relax, feeling the sun on your skin, breathing in fresh sea air, smelling fragrant jasmine, tasting fresh food, having good conversations with like-minded individuals, proves to be a real tonic. As well as recharging themselves mentally, physically and emotionally, my clients arrive as strangers and usually become friends, often returning year after year, with other friends and family. It is so good to see old faces, to catch up on what is happening in their lives, and celebrate their achievements and progress.

Since my cancer journey, I wish to share everything I have learned in order to help other people affected by breast cancer. Apart from yoga breathing, visualisation and meditation, I now teach belly dancing which has a tremendous effect on women's self esteem, and we do cookery and nutrition - introducing people to the delights of fresh spices, oils, herbs, nuts and seasonal organic foods.

Finally, for those who don’t know about The Haven, you will find a safe place, where you can instantly feel comfortable, and be with people who really understand how breast cancer affects your life. Plus, there are so many ways to learn and grow with the help of professionals, who will guide you on your path to knowledge and hopefully, recovery.”

For information on Christina’s holidays visit www.jasminejourneys.com

10% of bookings are donated to The Haven