Real life: Women who found inspiration in helping those they love
We meet three women whose desire to support loved ones led to their own incredible projects
Claire Robinson, 44, runs INGA Wellbeing and lives in Chichester with her husband, Charlie, and two children.
Claire had always admired her mother Diana’s personal style. So it was hard when Diana was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 to see her spending so much time in a hospital gown.
‘It was like her individuality was fading,’ says Claire.
Two years into her mum’s treatment, Claire met
Nikla, 43, at their children’s school. Nikla had lost her mother, Inga, to ovarian cancer and told Claire how she’d altered some of her mother’s clothes to make her more comfortable in hospital.
‘I thought it was a lovely idea and tried to do the same for Mum, cutting nightdresses to provide access to the port-a-cath in her chest,’ says Claire. ‘Nikla and I marvelled that there were no clothing options for people with long-term illnesses. Nobody would choose to wear a hospital gown, but when frequent access is needed, I can see why most surrender to it.’
Sadly, Diana passed away in 2012. But when Claire’s youngest child Hester started school, she decided not to go back to her work in PR, and instead work with Nikla on a clothing range for patients with built-in access for easy treatment.
They spoke to doctors and patient groups, and sketched out some designs. Then, in 2014, a friend put them in touch with Fiona McGreal, 44, a talented designer.
Finally, in 2017, they launched INGA Wellbeing – hospital-friendly, stylish clothing, available to purchase or to rent. ‘I’m humbled when I receive feedback from clients and their families,’ says Claire. ‘And while she’s not here to tell me, I know my mother would be proud.’
‘My hospital clothing range gives patients back their dignity’ ‘Nobody would choose to wear a hospital gown’