Posted on Wednesday 12th March 2025
My Healing Hands, based at Waterside Court Enterprise Centre in Burton.
A massage therapist, based in Burton, is working towards a qualification that will enable her to offer free massage treatments for cancer and hospice patients to honour her late mum’s memory.
Donna Read, aged 42, founded her massage therapy business ‘My Healing Hands’ last year, after struggling with the death of her mum who passed away from cancer two years ago.
Donna said:
“Life was beyond terrible when my mum died so I decided to throw myself into something I wouldn’t normally do myself. I did lots of runs for charity and things like jumping into open water. My mum was normally always at the other end of the phone, so it was really important for me to do this on my own.”
She raised more than £2,000 for the chemotherapy ward at Queen’s Hospital, where her mum received treatment. She is now working towards her therapeutic oncology massage diploma so she can give free treatments to people affected by cancer.
Donna started her business working out of a barber shop but then she moved to Waterside Court in Burton, one of Staffordshire County Council’s eight enterprise centres designed to support small business with flexible workspaces and on-site support.
She said:
“The security here is second-to-none. To have the overhead costs per month including the bills, I can’t complain. It’s so much better than working from your back garden because you have that work-home separation.
“The space in here is good for all sorts of businesses from eyelash techs to nail techs. For me, it was perfect because I expanded really fast. It was a no-brainer.”
Philip White, Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:
“Donna’s story is incredibly inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see her using her business to make such a meaningful difference.
“Our enterprise centres are designed to give small businesses like hers the flexibility and support they need to grow and prosper. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, these centres offer affordable spaces and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.”
For businesses seeking flexible and affordable workspaces, Staffordshire County Council offers options across eight enterprise centres.
Non-tenants can also book hot desks and meeting rooms at selected centres.
Find out more at Business and Enterprise Centres - Staffordshire County Council.