A BEAUTY therapist who has overcome bereavement, a cancer diagnosis and battled subsequent mental health issues is planning a Halloween-themed wedding where her dog will be guest of honour after her fiancé popped the question.
Danni Nulty, of Coventry, says the surprise proposal by her partner – personal trainer Dan Kirkland – comes after a difficult few months for the pair, in which both questioned whether their relationship would work in the long-term.
The couple both sought professional help in the form of Kings Bromley-based Clinical Rapid Hypnotherapist Victoria Spencer-Kibble, of VASK Therapy, who specialises in RTT therapy; a hybrid form of Rapid Hypnotherapy Treatment, which aims to quickly identify deeply embedded blocks and beliefs that stand in the way of living a healthy and vibrant life.
They are urging others to speak up about mental health.
Danni (37) said: “Dave and I have been together for four years and, in that time, we’ve been through several bereavements and, just 14 months into our relationship, I was diagnosed with skin cancer. That was hard for both of us but particularly for me, working in the beauty industry.
“I had used sunbeds for years but, once I was made aware of the dangers of using a sunbed, I stopped. I have fair skin, red hair and have never really been able to enjoy being out in the sun, so have always used a high SPF on my skin – and warned my clients of the dangers of the sun, too.
“A couple of years ago, a friend advised me to get the mole on my left cheek checked out by a doctor; she was convinced that it had grown and so, even though it wasn’t itchy, red or raised, I promised that I would get it checked out.
“Thank goodness I did. I underwent a biopsy and, a few days afterwards, was diagnosed with stage one melanoma skin cancer.”
Luckily for Danni, the cancer was caught early and it had not spread to her lymph nodes. She did, though, have to undergo surgery to remove the cancerous mole on her face and Danni is conscious of the scar which surgery has left.
“It has been quite a turbulent few years for me and Dave,” said Danni, “we have been through so much – and the lockdowns, particularly because we are both self-employed, haven’t helped.
“Our industries, as well as those who work in hospitality and the arts, have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. It has been really, really tough and it has taken a toll on our mental health.
“Dave was the first to seek help. I have been friends with Vicky for a while and follow her on Instagram. She has done amazing things and her VASK therapy also worked wonders for her – she turned to RTT to help her recover from the sudden death of husband Carl Spencer during a diving expedition and subsequently became a Clinical Rapid Hypnotherapist herself.
“I told him to give it a try, to see if it could help him. I noticed a difference in him after just one session and thought that I too would benefit from a VASK Therapy session with Vicky.
“Both of us are now much more invested in our own mental wellbeing. I meditate and book myself in for regular massages to make me feel good. It’s helped to turn my life around and I’m so grateful for that.”
The proposal came during a weekend away in the Worcestershire countryside and it involved their rescue dog, Dolly.
“We had booked an Air BnB in the countryside as a much-needed getaway,” said Danni.
“Dolly – a Jack Russell cross-breed who we adopted from a Romanian rescue agency – was wearing a harness and Dave asked if I would take it off after a walk. I took off the harness and a box, which was fastened inside the harness, fell to the floor.
“I opened up the box, saw the ring and turned round to see Dave on one knee behind me. He said: ‘will you marry Dolly’s Daddy?’ How could I say no to that?!”
The couple are yet to set a date but would like a Halloween-themed wedding – where Dolly will be guest of honour.
“We’ll have a small ceremony; I don’t really like being the centre of attention,” said Danni, “but I do want a big Halloween-themed party – with optional fancy dress – afterwards.
“It will be a big celebration but it probably won’t happen for a few years yet. We want to do lots of travelling once restrictions are lifted, there’s no rush.”
Vicky is already planning her outfit and couldn’t be more pleased for the couple. She said: “Dave and Danni are just meant to be together but they’ve had a rough couple of years, plus the difficulties which a global pandemic has put on their business and relationship.
“I’m glad to have played my part in helping them and look forward to helping other couples, seeking to change and to reframe the reason behind their mental health issues.
“Lockdown has been horrendously hard on everyone’s mental health. I’ve seen a rapid increase in clients coming to me for treatment for fear, stress and anxiety around Covid 19, which can lead to addiction,shame and guilt, diminishing self esteem and crushing self-confidence. Self-belief and not feeling good enough are increasing relationship problems tenfold but, for Danni and Dave, their story has a wonderful happy ending and I couldn’t be more pleased for them.”
For further details and to book a session contact Vicky on 07540 279126 or if you are struggling with anything and are ready to change, please book a FREE discovery call with Vicky at VASK Therapy on her Calendar link : https://calendly.com/_vasktherapy/vask-therapy-discovery-call
ENDS
For further details contact Kerry Ganly on 07734 723951 or email [email protected]
