The Long Road to Champneys: The extraordinary life of a pioneering spa queen by Dorothy Purdew
Before Martha Lane Fox, Jacqueline Gold, Tamara Mellon, Lara Morgan and Michelle Mone there was Dorothy Purdew! Starting with just £60, Dorothy built up Champneys, one of the largest spa companies in the world. Her clients over the years have included everyone from the Beckhams to Barbara Windsor.
This fascinating autobiography by Dorothy Purdew tells the extraordinary story of how she became one of the world’s most influential spa operators.
From an impoverished background in pre-war London to a wartime evacuee, Dorothy Purdew quickly had to overcome many of life’s hurdles. Through hard work and dedication, she began to take her first entrepreneurial steps in the health and fitness industry by launching WeightGuard, in 1970 with just £60. Eight years later she started her first health farm, Frimley’s. With her son Stephen, she went on to open Henlow Grange, Springs, Forest Mere and finally Champneys at Tring.
This book is full of stories about celebrity visitors past and present, along with revealing anecdotes about what some guests really do get up to when they are supposed to be being healthy! Clients over the years have included George Best, Jimmy Saville, Paul Gascoigne, Tony Adams, David and Victoria Beckham, Barbara Windsor and Naomi Campbell. I know that there are many people who would love to hear some secrets about the stars!
I think that The Long Road to Champneys (£25.00) will make a great gift for many. It isn’t available until 29th April so you have plenty of time to order it!
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