Her dream inspires Ashleigh to beat odds

Feb 16 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

But meeting the Dragon was not Ms James’s first brush with the world of celebrity. She chose to do her college work experience at the Kholer Water Spa at St Andrews Golf Course in Scotland, where regular clients included Samuel L Jackson, Ronaldo, Hugh Grant, Bill Murray and Ernie Els. Within days of starting at the spa, she was offered a full-time job.

Homesickness brought her back to the North East and she began work at Gateshead’s Hilton Hotel. But she has now achieved her goal of opening her own spa inside the Hair by 47 salon, using an inheritance from her grandparents and a Prince’s Trust loan. She also turned to the Shaw Trust and Business Enterprise North East for Advice.

Ms James said: “I would not have been here had it not been for the doctors and nurses and of course my family, who have supported me and encouraged me all the way.

“I hope Spa Neo is in recognition of their efforts and love and I hope to make the business a real success.”

I was paralysed down my left hand side and the doctors thought I would never walk again.