A beloved dog groomer died following gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey. Hayley Butler, 40, was the owner of Diva Dogs in Norwich, Norfolk, and faced complications after the operation in September.
Tributes including flowers and cards have been left outside her shop, reports the Mirror. Her mother, Gillian Moore, paid tribute saying: “Hayley was the most happy-go-lucky, caring person – she was always worrying about other people. I am heartbroken. She was my soul mate, my friend and my rock. My life will never be the same without her.”
A sleeve gastrectomy typically involves the removal of around 80 per cent of the stomach and is often cheaper abroad with shorter wait times than private UK options. Friend and colleague Jessica Carter said: “There’s so much to say about Hayley it’s impossible to fit it all into words. She was just unapologetically Hayley.”
Colleagues and customers are mourning the tragic loss of Miss Butler, a highly regarded dog groomer whose vibrant character left an unforgettable mark on those she met. One colleague said: “She was amazing at her job and so knowledgeable. I’ve been a groomer for 10 years and I learnt so much from her.
“But she wasn’t just a dog groomer, she was really funny, she was bright, she was bubbly, she had this contagious laugh and could make anyone laugh. It’s a shock to everyone – she was so young and it just feels so cruel.”
Many of Miss Butler’s clients posted heartfelt messages online. Justine Taylor said: “There are some people in this world that make everything seem better, Hayley was one of them.
“She always smiled and we would usually have a giggle about something or other. She was lovely to our furry girls and us. I feel lucky that I met Hayley, it’s a privilege to have known such a lovely person.”
The UK Government has released guidelines for Brits considering overseas medical procedures, particularly in Turkey. The cautionary advice comes after the unfortunate demise of six British nationals post-treatments in Turkey in 2023, along with reports of complications experienced by some patients.
Emphasising the variability in medical standards globally, the advice offered to those contemplating treatment abroad is unavoidably stern.
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