Abi Wright, the founder of Spabreaks.com, has defended the UK spa industry after reports in the British press claimed cancer patients were treated like ‘lepers’ in spas and 70 per cent of spas had bans on treating guests with cancer.

Wright, who set up an inclusive programme of therapeutic spa treatments, called Recovery Retreats, for cancer sufferers several years ago, praised the industry for taking action to improve relationships with cancer sufferers and expanding treatment offerings to cater for those who have recently undergone, or are undergoing, cancer treatment.

“Many people believe they cannot enjoy the benefits of a spa break while they are undergoing cancer treatments, and we want to send out a message that, although there is still work to be done within the industry, this is simply no longer the case,” said Wright.

Recovery Retreats, which is offered at 60 spas across the UK, has recently been rolled out in Bannatyne Spas as part of a new partnership with Spabreaks.com that will make treatments for cancer sufferers more widely available.

Wright added: “We succeeded in developing cancer-friendly products and training at independent luxury spa venues, but still felt there wasn’t the level of accessibility that a spa chain can bring.

"Bannatyne Spa’s commitment to welcoming those going through cancer to each of its spas across the country is exactly the kind of support we hoped for.”