Popular dog groomer dies from 'complications' after gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey

Popular dog groomer Hayley Butler, from Norwich, Norfolk, is believed to have died due to complications regarding a recent surgery she underwent in Turkey

A popular dog groomer has died after she returned to the UK following gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey.

Hayley Butler, 40, is thought to have died due to complications after having the surgery in September. It is not yet known when Miss Butler, owner of Diva Dogs in Norwich, Norfolk, died. But flowers and cards have now been left outside her business following her death.

Paying tribute, her mother Gillian Moore, said: "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 is a surgical weight-loss procedure that involves removing about 80 per cent of the stomach. Surgery in countries like Turkey costs less than the price of private surgery in the UK and there are usually reduced wait-list times. Describing her 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.

"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 customers took to social media to share their condolences and express their devastation at the tragedy.

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."

Meanwhile, the UK Government has issued advice for people who go to Turkey for medical tourism. It said: "The standard of medical facilities and available treatments can vary widely globally and also within countries. We are aware of six British nationals having died in Turkey in 2023 following medical procedures. Some British nationals have also experienced complications and needed further treatment or surgery following their procedure.

If you are considering travelling to Turkey for medical, surgical or dental treatment:

• Discuss plans with your UK doctor, dentist or clinician before going ahead
• Do your own research - private companies have a financial interest in booking your treatment and their literature should not be your only source of information