Swindon’s hospital has received specialist haircare products for people of colour from a patient who suffered from kidney failure.

Natalie-Amber Freegard from Rodbourne collapsed in December of 2017 after suffering from kidney failure and going temporarily blind.

During her time at Great Western Hospital, her hair became matted and she believed that the products available to patients did not suit people of colour like herself.

After gaining contact with two haircare brands, Natalie has donated several products tailored to help people of colour to the hospital.

“I was rushed to hospital where my parents were told I wasn’t going to make it and I spent a few weeks in ICU,” she said.

Swindon Advertiser: Natalie-Amber has helped bring the specialist haircare products to Great Western Hospital.

“My hair was never done and it got all matted and I actually had a breakdown and cut the matted hair out as we couldn’t get them out.

“I was so upset and depressed and just in a dark place.”

The 31-year-old wanted to educate hospitals about why it’s important to care for Afro Caribbean, African and other people of colour’s hair.

“My curl texture is more European I’d say but it still needs a lot of care and the brushes in ICU are not suitable whatsoever.

“I printed out a sheet for the nurses explaining the importance of this and some little tips and hints.

“I then donated some skin care products as skin tends to get drier quickly especially in ICU.”

Products including massage brushes and detangling sprays were supplied to the hospital by Bouclème and Only Curls London.

Swindon Advertiser: Great Western Hospital received donations from haircare companies Bouclème and Only Curls London.Great Western Hospital received donations from haircare companies Bouclème and Only Curls London. (Image: NHS)

Michele Scott-Lynch, Bouclème founder said: “We wanted to support this initiative as it’s important to help educate people on how to condition, style and treat curls and natural textured hair.”

A spokesperson for Only Curls London added: “When Natalie-Amber told us about the struggles she'd had with her curls during her time in intensive care, resulting in her having to cut it all off, we knew we wanted to help.

“Textured hair is delicate, and the right products and tools in place hopefully mean that people can have one less thing to worry about whilst and after being in hospital."

GWH Critical Care Unit manager, Emma Shaw, said: "Thanks so much to Natalie-Amber for bringing these products.”

“We have lots of sick patients whose hair can get matted, so just having a few products will make a real difference to our patients.”

If you would like to help Natalie-Amber, you can access her Amazon Wish List here where donations of more products can be made.