Special-ist: on the Silver Pearl Salon

We fundamentally believe that London is a nice city full of nice people, otherwise we wouldn't be banging on about the gaff so much. But there are some Londoners who shine out, who are special, who deserve mentioning in despatches. One such is Rachel Simkiss, who gave up the dream job, the swanky address and a lot of her time to set up a beauty parlour offering free treatment for women afflicted and affected by cancer. The Silver Pearl Salon in Bond Street channels money from its regular fee paying customers back into the business so that it can offer complimentary and complementary therapies and beauty sessions for women sufferers. Many of the current clients are referred from Barts, but the salon is looking to work with other London health trusts. You know, we often think nice thoughts: bet you do too. But it takes a bit of extra special to act on them. Hats off to Rachel. (Image/Simon Crubellier)