Northumberland spinal health expert battles back from 'time of turmoil' to help others get in the best possible shape with pilates

Pilates instructor Marie-Louise Brown – known as MJ – from Norham, set up her own business serving the Berwick area with the aim of helping people improve their physical health.

“Pilates helped me through back-pain problems and made me feel stronger and more body confident than ever,” she said.

“I wanted to share this life-changing practice with as many people as possible.”

But the 42-year-old was hit with a health bombshell when she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, and would need full hip replacement surgery.

And to add to her worries, she was given an operation date just weeks after an exam to qualify her for using pilates equipment known as a reformer.

"I had the best time completing my qualification and continue to have my mind blown by how much Pilates can help us to move better and ultimately pain free,” said MJ, who lives with husband Si Brown, 45.

“Those of you who have experienced surgery with the NHS will know that you have very little control of when it happens and so planning for it is almost impossible.

"In the end the call came on the April 7 and I went in on Monday 11. I consider myself extremely lucky, having waited just over a year from start to finish, as I’ve heard many horror stories with waiting lists of three years plus.

"That Monday we arrived at the hospital at 7:30am and at 7:30pm of the same day, I was picked up.