FIVE years ago, this woman was in a car crash which left her in constant pain and suffering from terrifying blackouts.
Doctors told her exercise wasn't an option, but she defied their orders and lost a massive five stone in weight – and feels like a new person.
Sarah Pleasance, of Waltham, crashed her car on the A18, in 2008, not only leaving her with pain, blackouts and pins and needles, it also highlighted cervical degenerative disc syndrome, a condition she didn't know she had which causes constant neck pain.
The 38-year-old was told by medics that she should avoid exercise to recover completely, and was advised to give up her job as a hairdresser as the movement it required was aggravating her condition.
But doing nothing soon led to Sarah gaining weight and, 18 months ago, she weighed more than 14 stone.
"I was depressed, on very strong painkillers and really put my life on hold after the accident," she said.
"However, things began to change after I went with my mother to the former Humberston Country Club (now Virgin Active) one day.
"We were talking about my everyday struggles and how I could hardly lift my arms above my head and, unknowingly, we were being overheard."
Chris Knowles, 21, was a personal trainer at the club and offered Sarah a one-off session – and she has never looked back.
"We started with some light exercises at first and over time I realised many of my symptoms were beginning to ease," she said.
Chris now runs his own business, CKPT, from a fitness studio in Cheeseman's Lane, Waltham.
Sarah visits twice a week for various forms of exercise and nutrition advice, and also runs three times a week at Virgin Active.
She said: "I have astonished doctors with my improvement. My pain has stopped and though exercising a curve in my upper spin has straightened out.
"It is a bonus to have lost five stone. I feel so much better and my confidence has grown.
"I now have my mobility back, I weigh over nine stone and my lifestyle is better than before the accident."
