Gail Porter is famous for presenting numerous television programmes, having her bare behind displayed on the Houses of Parliament and losing her hair to alopecia. But last year Gail hit the headlines once more when she was detained under the Mental Health Act 2007 for 17 days, against her will. 2011 was a bad year for Gail Porter but 2012 sees a change of direction for her as she recently declared on Twitter “new year, new outlook”. So a stay at East Yorkshire’s 5 Star guest house and luxury spa, The Barn House Walkington in East Yorkshire for a weekend of pampering courtesy of The Garden Retreat is a good place to start.
The Barn House owner, Niki Clappison says: “The Garden Retreat offers the perfect get-away from the hustle and bustle of London. Typical of most mums, Gail always puts the needs of her daughter first so a weekend of pampering is a real treat. After her visit, Gail said she thought everyone should know about the Garden Retreat, the massages and treatments we provide and she has kindly offered to speak about us.”
Gail Porter said “I had the most amazing deep tissue massage with Val which lasted for 2 ½ hours. I was so relaxed that I actually fell asleep on the table. From the moment I arrived in East Yorkshire, I just felt so calm. Life in London is so hectic and I very rarely get the chance to just chill out but once I was welcomed by the countryside and greenery of East Yorkshire, I just felt this overwhelming sense of calm. I have also suffered with insomnia for many years and dread the night-time as it is so hard to wind down. I never get a good night of sleep, but I arrived here at the Barn House and as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light. I didn’t wake up until 09:30, I couldn’t believe it. It’s such a beautiful place; I actually want to live here. I’m not joking.”
Niki Clappison explains: “The Garden Retreat is different, not just a beauty salon. All of our treatments are person centred and Val’s massage in particular is tailored to the individual to target specific areas of the body. It can really improve posture as it works on each muscle to concentrate on the way the body holds itself, especially after injury or exercise. Other treatments available at the Garden Retreat include Bowen Therapy, Clinical Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, No hands massage, Clinical Reflexology, Reiki Master, Deep Tissue Massage, Tsuboki Japanese Facial and Hand and Foot massage.”
Having developed alopecia in 2005 one thing Gail misses is the small-talk you get that comes with a hairdresser. “I had a manicure this morning and I really enjoyed chatting to the nail technician. Again, having my nails done is a luxury that I would normally go without but she did a wonderful job and we had a great gossip.”
Gail is currently performing a stand-up show on a tour of the comedy circuit. “My stand-up routine is based on my life. The audience can start off a little freaked out when you’re stood in front of them making fun of yourself but they soon warm up and they’re laughing along with you.” Since losing her hair Gail is constantly approached by people asking her if she’s okay. I feel like a bit of a fraud at times because I have people coming up to me in supermarkets crying and telling me I’m so brave, which is lovely. But, I am actually alright you know. I’m not as fragile as people think I am. Generally though, I do get approached by the nicest people and it’s nice when they approach me to show me their bald patches or to tell me their stories and tell me that I have helped them cope. I find that really rewarding. That is one of the reasons that I am so outspoken about my personal issues because I know that by being outspoken I can raise awareness and help others to feel less self-conscious.”
“I feel so comfortable here at the Barn House. I’ve been made to feel really at home and after all of the relaxing treatments I’ve had, I’m looking forward to another good night of sleep and for an insomniac like me, that is a really special treat.”
For more information about The Barn House and Garden Retreat, please visit www.barnhousewalkington.co.uk