A YOUNG mum relocated from London to Wilmslow to escape city life.

Unexpectedly, the move inspired Gill Park to embark on an exciting new career.

Now, 10 years later, she is celebrating a special milestone.

READ > Knutsford tram ticket dodgers hit with £428 court bill

The former purchasing manager quit her job at the Arcadia Group and took a year off to look after her son and newborn daughter.

Afterwards, she struggled to find a flexible, part-time role that paid well and was close to home.

She quickly realised that starting her own business would be the best option.

A trained massage therapist, Gill set up a space in Wilmslow and started by offering her services to friends in the area.

She also found a job working part-time for a local physiotherapist.

Gill, 46, said: “I set up a website, entered the world of social media and little by little, built up the business.”

The business grew organically and Gill qualified as a personal trainer to compliment the sports massage side of the business.

“Very quickly, it went from part-time hours to a full-time job and a new career,” she said.

“By offering a combination of sports therapy and fitness training, I’m a one-stop shop, which I believe is a unique service.”

Gill built a private gym for one-to-one sessions and runs fitness classes in both Wilmslow and Knutsford, which are always popular and well-subscribed.

She has also run a boxing group for teenage girls.

“I love working with teens,” she said.

“It’s amazing watching them build up strength and grow in confidence. “It’s enormously empowering and great for their mental health.”

On the massage side, she’s fully booked with regular clients.

Gill said: “When I started the business, I saw it as more of a stopgap and never expected to still be here 10 years later.

“Many of my clients have been coming to me for over than six years. I get a lot of repeat business.”

One of Gill’s clients said: “I've been training with Gill for four months now and I'm really pleased with the results.

“I am fitter and stronger and really enjoy the sessions.

“Gill is brilliant at creating varied workouts which work for me and I always look forward to finding out what we will be doing.”

As well as helping countless people recover from injuries and cope with neck and back pain, Gill has also helped others to build up their fitness with sound nutritional advice and steady exercise programmes.

She said: “I absolutely love running my own business.

“It feels great to know that I can genuinely help people overcome injuries or get fit.

“It’s lovely to see clients feeling good and enjoying themselves in my classes.

“After many years working for a big company in the retail industry, I like being in control of my diary and my brand.

“I’m fiercely proud of my logo and reputation and love having the flexibility to work around my family, but more than anything, I just want people to have fun.

“After what we’ve all been through over the last few years, it’s so important to have a laugh and feel strong and I genuinely believe that my classes are a great way to lift the spirits.”

Creating a community has always been important to Gill.

“I like to connect people and support local businesses and I’ve made so many friends through work,” said Gill.

“I always shop local and refer clients to other businesses in the area.

“I love that I can’t walk down the high street without bumping into someone I know.

“It’s wonderful being part of the local community.”

Gill will be celebrating by offering existing and new clients special deals this month and a glass of fizz.