A woman who was told by doctors that she would never walk has made her debut as a catwalk model after winning a makeover.
Emily Ryder was the star of the show during the climax to a pampering evening held at Shottle Hall, in Belper, on Wednesday – the day of her 24th birthday. The mum of one, from Holbrook, was born with spina bifida and scoliosis which meant her spine was curved in a 45 degree angle and one leg was five inches longer than the other. While she was still a child, she underwent a seven-and-a-half hour operation to straighten her spine, followed by a series of further operations to lengthen her legs.
Shottle Hall’s competition invited people to nominate someone they thought deserved a day of pampering and a makeover and Emily was chosen after her mum, Judith, wrote in on her behalf. One week later, Emily was gracing a catwalk set up for the evening, alongside a host of professional models and watched by more than 70 people.
Emily, a single mum to two-year-old Jamie, said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d won, I never thought I stood a chance. I had a really lovely day and it was such a coincidence that it happened to fall on my birthday.
“I have spent a lot of my life in hospital, but you just deal with it. I’m lucky in lots of other ways and try really hard not to moan."
“I was brought up to believe that there is no such word as ‘can’t’. Doctors said I would never walk, but I proved them wrong. I’m living proof that it is mind over matter – I would really like to give people hope that you can do anything you set your mind to."
“I was born with a 45 degree curvature of the spine and one of my legs was bent across my stomach. I was so badly curved that if I swam I went round in circles."
“I had a massive operation to straighten my spine and I’ve had my legs broken and reset with pins countless times."
“I never dreamed I would end up walking down a catwalk. And although all the other models were much taller than me – and I was incredibly nervous – I just loved it.”
Emily’s day saw her spend the afternoon being pampered at Brackendale Spa , near Carsington, before having her hair and make-up professionally applied by Emma O’Regan, of Make-up Artist Midlands
Emily Bridgen , of Iron Gate, provided Emily with a designer outfit to wear on the catwalk – allowing her to unveil her new look to family and friends.
Emily, who works as a dog trainer, added: “Although I was really nervous before I walked down the catwalk, I knew it was a once in a lifetime moment.
“I’ve never had my hair or make-up done professionally before and I picked up lots of tips. I felt like a new person.
”My little boy Jamie came to watch me and he could barely recognise me. And the dress I wore was just beautiful.”
Emily’s proud mum Judith and dad David were filled with pride as they watched their daughter on the catwalk.
Judith (60) said: “Emily is a daughter in a million who has endured a lot of surgery throughout her life and never, ever complains.
“She is registered disabled but doesn’t let anything hold her back. She just gets on with life, working full time as a dog trainer and bringing up her lovely little boy.
“She rarely has time to go out and enjoy herself and she really, really deserved this special treat.”
Shottle Hall marketing manager James Davis said: “We were delighted that Emily enjoyed her day of pampering
– she was certainly a very worthy winner.
“I think all the ladies who joined us for the pampering evening were amazed by Emily’s courage. Walking down a catwalk is a daunting prospect for anyone and Emily was an absolute star.”
More Photos of the evening can be seen here on our Facebook Page
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