Makeover puts the smile back on Sue's face

Ten years ago, Sue Coldray was involved in a car crash that would change her life. Previously an active mum-of-two, she had just qualified as a nail technician.

"It caused my wife severe back problems," said Sue's husband, Malcolm Coldray. "She had to have an operation but still suffers with severe pain, day and night."

The pain is so severe, Sue cannot sit down for long periods, which means she is unable to work and is stuck inside the house.

The base of her spine is damaged and her degenerative condition has continued to worsen.

She suffered yet another blow in 2010 when she was rushed into hospital on New Year's Day with swine flu and double pneumonia.

Sue, who lives in Anlaby Common, was lucky to survive.

Last November, the 44-year-old had her appendix taken out and then had to have her gall bladder removed. She also suffered from pancreatitis and only came out of hospital at the end of last month.

Her health problems sometimes get her down but she tries not to let it show for the sake of her two children, Ellie, 13, and Danny, 21.

"I'm nominating Sue because she is a warm and loving mother and wife who will do anything for anyone," said Malcolm, 48. "She has been through a lot over the past few years and could really do with a lift."

We agreed and sent Sue to Matalan in Mount Pleasant and then to Colour Lounge in Carr Lane, Hull.

Estelle MacGowan, manager at Matalan, said: "Sue came in with her son and was a delight.

"She knew what she wanted. She soon spotted a pair of shoe-boots she fancied and built her outfit around that.

"Sue went for a lot of denim and chose a lovely burgundy belted dress for a day look."

Kelley Meyerhoff, stylist at Colour Lounge, said: "When Sue came in, her hair was dark brown with red tones and she wanted it brightening up.

"I used caramel and blonde tones to lighten her hair for spring.

"I took some length off to shape her hair into a graduated bob."

Colour Lounge's Stacey France said: "Starting with Sue's eyes, I highlighted the whole eye area.

"I then took a dusty purple to the eye line and up to the socket line, followed by mascara to the lashes. Then I applied a tinted moisturiser to match Sue's skin tone, followed by a bronzer and blusher to add warmth.

"A warm pink lip gloss finished the look."

Sue chose: Bootcut denim jeans, £10; shoe-boots, £20; cowl-necked jersey top, £12; bootcut denim jeans, £10; jewel T-shirt, £10; jeggings, £10; animal-print scarf, £3; belted tunic, £16; Los Angeles vest, £8, and a selection of jewellery. All clothing from Matalan, Mount Retail Park, HU9 2BN.

Colour Lounge, in Carr Lane, HU1 3RQ. Call 01482 227755 for appointments.

Sue was overjoyed by her new wardrobe.

"I loved it, I had a really good day," she said.

"I wanted something casual and I saw some shoe-boots that I'd wanted for ages.

"I don't think I've ever had £100 to spend on myself, it usually goes on the kids."

Sue spent the day with son, Danny, trailing her around the shop, and her family are delighted with the difference it has made.

Sue's new hair has attracted many compliments.

"I had a graduated bob which everyone says looks lovely," she said.

"My husband says it's nice to see me smiling again."