Treat for mum as she continues on road to fitness

When her mum was struck down by meningitis last year, Rebecca Dixon thought she was going to lose her. "She was admitted to hospital on January 5, 2011 – my 16th birthday," Rebecca told Femail.

"She spent roughly three to four days in a coma. It was also said that she had a minor stroke."

Lesley Dixon, 49, of Beverley, ended up being hospitalised for three weeks.

"Ever since, she's been struggling with getting back to the full fitness she had before her illness," said Rebecca.

"As a result of the meningitis, she suffers from memory problems, headaches and muscle weakness.

"Since her illness, my mum has gone back to being a full-time carer for my disabled dad.

"She's a great mum to me and my three brothers and I think after all she's done for the family, she deserves a makeover so much.

"I'd like to give her something back for the 17 years she's been helping me out.

"I think it would mean a lot to her, as she never gets time to herself."

Lesley said she had no idea that her daughter had nominated her for a makeover.

"Well, it would be ungrateful not to accept it," she joked after Femail called to let her know.

"I think Rebecca is amazing for doing this.

"She sent me a text, after Femail had contacted her and said, have you had a phone call yet?

"I wondered what had happened – it was her first day back at college and I thought, oh no, what's she done."

Lesley said: "I'm still on the road to fitness, but you just have to get on with it.

"My husband has a degenerative spine condition so his care can be quite physical, and emotional.

"But my family are a great support to me."

Lesley was treated to some new clothes by Debenhams in Hull and her hair and make-up done by staff at Colour Lounge in Carr Lane, Hull.

Sonny Howell, stylist at Colour Lounge, said Lesley was happy with the basic length of her hair so he worked on redistributing the length of the layers to enhance the shape of the cut.

"Lesley usually colours her hair herself, using bright reds, but we decided to introduce some deep copper tones – some nice autumnal shades – to better suit her skin tone," he said.

Laura May, personal shopper at Debenhams, said: "When Lesley came for her appointment we talked about putting together a look for the festive season.

"Lesley doesn't always wear dresses so we decided on separates. I chose a lovely black cowl-neck top with a pillar box red print. I teamed this with sophisticated boot-cut trousers and a neat pleated cardigan.

"To make sure Lesley was right on trend with this season's colours, I chose a pillar box red clutch and black lace bow heels for that elegant party look."

Stacey France, beautician at Colour Lounge, said: "Lesley wanted a soft and natural look for daytime so together we opted for warm brown tones.

"I started by highlighting the eye area and then a cream eyeshadow was applied and a brown shadow to the inner corner of Lesley's eyes. I also applied mascara and eyeliner. Lesley's brows were darkened with an HD palette and a light layer of foundation was applied to her face, which matched her skin tone perfectly.

"Her look was finished with a touch of bronzer, oyster-coloured blusher and MAC pink lip gloss."

"The whole thing was brilliant," said Lesley. "It was absolutely amazing. Laura at Debenhams had it figured straight away and everyone at Colour Lounge was wonderful.

"Rebecca was with me on the day and I got a thumbs-up for my clothes – which is good – and I had the colour of my hair changed slightly and I love the cut.

"I came away with a few new ideas of how to do things."

Lesley said: "I did feel a bit nervous at the start because it's not the kind of place I am used to going, but in the end I was really relaxed. It's a wonderful treat for anyone."

Top, £16; trouser; £20; cardigan £23, all from Collection at Debenhams. Clutch, £10 and shoes, £28, from Debut at Debenhams.

To make a free appointment with the personal shopper at Debenhams, call 01482 621377.

Hair and make-up by Colour Lounge, call 01482 227755.