A Southport hairdresser who lost her healthy mum at just 49 years of age has been inviting her customers to support SCAD Awareness Week 2026.
Kelly Stevens, who runs the Unique Hair & Beauty salon on Duke Street in Southport, says she wants to “help break the myths and raise awareness together” and that she “doesn’t want any more children to grow up without their mummies and nanas”.
Kelly Stevens said: “Valentine’s may be over, but this week we’re keeping our hearts at the centre of our salon for SCAD Awareness Week 2026.
“SCAD stands for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. Last week I watched a short feature on Channel 4 and was shocked to learn how little funding and research there is for SCAD — especially when it comes to rehabilitation and aftercare.
“I sadly lost my mum six years ago. At the time, the doctors didn’t fully understand what was happening or how best to treat her. After doing a lot of research recently, I’ve realised just how many women are suffering in silence and feeling scared.
“SCAD mainly affects women under 50 and is one of the leading causes of heart attacks in women under 50, yet it doesn’t receive the publicity or funding it desperately needs.
“This year our family has welcomed new babies and made so many happy memories — but there is always one person missing. Our biggest supporter. Our mum. I just pray she’s watching over us. She adored her children, and we miss her every single day.
“From this week, you’ll find fundraising materials in the salon. If any other businesses would like to support, we have leaflets available explaining what SCAD is and why awareness matters so much.
“My mum was only 49. Just three days later, we lost her. She didn’t smoke, she didn’t drink heavily, she lived a healthy life — and she wasn’t ‘old.’ SCAD doesn’t fit the usual heart attack stereotypes.
“Let’s help break the myths and raise awareness together. I don’t want any more children to grow up without their mummies and nanas.
Thank you for your support.”
Earlier this month, Kelly won the title of the UK’s Best Bridal Hairdresser 2026 at the National Beauty Awards UK & Ireland.
She has run Unique Hair & Beauty for the past 16 years.
What started as a small mobile hair and beauty service that Kelly ran from her car has grown into the salon she opened on Duke Street eight years ago.
- For more details about SCAD Awareness Week please visit: SCAD Research, Inc Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection | Celebrate SCAD Heart Attack Awareness Week
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