MUM of two Emma Heffernan has fought back from paralysis following surgery to launch her own business.

It has been a long road of recovery for the 43-year-old from Knutsford, who was was left paralysed after an operation on her neck in 2016.

She has been left with permanent nerve damage in her arms and hands, but was determined not to let this hold her back.

She dreamed of owning her own business, and decided to train to become a nail technician.

Since qualifying she has launched her business, The Perfect You, and has joined the team at hair salon Head 1st Ltd in Knutsford, where she has a nail station.

“I had an operation in June 2016 for two bulging disks in my neck, which went wrong,” said Emma, who has two sons, aged seven and 12.

“I was left paralysed and was in the high dependency unit at Salford Royal Hospital for several weeks.

“I have been left with severe nerve damage in my arms and hands, which causes a great deal of pain and I have been told it will not get any better.

“Medication takes the edge off the pain, but it will never go away.

“However I was determined to not let this hold her back, and followed my dreams of owning a business and train to become a nail technician.

“I enrolled in the Rebecca Abernethy Training Academy in 2017 in Bramhall and qualified, and The Perfect You was born in November, offering manicures and pedicures as well as bespoke and deluxe nail services.

“Since then it has gone from strength to strength, and last month I joined Head 1st Limited on Mansion Drive in Knutsford.

“Everyone at the salon has welcomed me with open arms and has looked after me, and I am very excited to take my business to the next level.”

The salon is owned by Elaine Webb and Brenda Williams, and is due to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.

Elaine said: “We had been thinking about having a nail station for a while, and Emma just happened to bob in one day. She is doing really well.”