WHEN it comes to knowing what women want Petra Sweeney is an expert.
She is rushed off her feet most days looking after her three sons and running her property business and is the first to acknowledge that plenty of other women are in the same boat. The one thing they need to survive is a break and a bit of pampering.
So when she heard North Halifax Grammar School – which her youngest son Ryan (12) attends – was struggling to raise the last £29,000 towards its new sixth form block, she came up with one of her enterprising ideas.
Petra decided to open up her plush home in the Luddenden Valley and organise a pampering day that women would not forget. Along with beauty treatments and a swim in her outdoor pool, she plans to offer Champagne and a Thai banquet lunch, all served by hunky rugby players.
As soon as word got out Petra had mums queueing up to buy tickets at £99 each and the 22 on offer were sold within a couple of hours. She decided there was only one course of action – a repeat performance the following day – which, is a sell out too. There is now even a waiting list for both days on June 18 and 19.
"I was astonished at how quickly the tickets sold. I could have done a whole week and filled the spaces," says Petra, whose husband Bob, used to own the Olympic Health Studio in Halifax town centre.
She believes the events are of such a big appeal because many women cannot get away from work and their families for a full day of relaxation.
"Both days will be totally chill out days, where women will be spoiled rotten and spend some quality time with their friends. I also think they appreciate what a bargain it is. I reckon it is worth at least double what they are paying."
Students from the health and beauty department at Calderdale College are giving their services free on the two days and each individual will get a one-hour massage of their choice and a manicure and pedicure. Women will also get a foot detox with Petra.
Food is being provided by the Rim Nam Thai restaurant in Hedden Bridge with players from Halifax Rugby League Club acting as waiters.
The two days will raise £4,400 but Petra hopes to double that to £8,800 with donations from HBOS, NatWest, Lloyds and Barclays.
"It's been relatively easy to organise and good fun, and lots of women are asking already if I'm planning similar events. I'd like to do another in September."