March woman swaps scissors for scissor jumps in career move following illness

When March-based hairdresser and carer Emily Berry was diagnosed with a giant cell tumour in her left arm, far from being a setback it was the start of a new career in physical fitness.

She says: “I never would have thought in a million years that I’d become a personal trainer. But after my illness, I was no longer able to do my other two jobs. So I knew I needed a fresh goal and a different focus in my life. I’d also put on some weight, as the treatment and being ill had forced me to be sedentary.”

With that in mind, Emily began working out at a local gym – and found that she loved it. After about a year, she realised that just exercising for herself was not enough.

She wanted to help others, especially those in her situation facing disability or illness, to feel better about themselves, and she wanted to help them achieve their goals. She built on that passion to qualify as a personal trainer.

Emily is now the owner of Emily Berry Fitness. She has qualified as an advanced personal trainer with an NVQ at Level 3 in fitness. She is also qualified to work with pregnant women and new mums, and to teach boot camp and circuits, and is qualified as a sports massage therapist with an NVQ Level 3.

She adds: “My aim is to help others become healthier in their daily lives. Together with my clients, I work on their cardiovascular fitness, endurance stamina and weight management. I absolutely love it.”

For details visit Emily's Facebook page.