Violent husband tore Tammy's life apart but she is stronger than ever now

Tammy Walker walked out on her abusive husband on New Year's Day five years ago, to make a new start with her children after many turbulent years.

Her mum, Trisha Martin, 45, is proud of how her daughter has turned her back on the past and wanted to give her a boost with a Femail makeover.

"She's had a hard life. She brings my four grandchildren up alone, after divorcing her violent husband," Trisha said.

Tammy's eldest daughter Chloe, 11, is autistic and has learning difficulties, so the 28-year-old takes her to the Children's Centre, in Walker Street, for speech lessons.

Her son Simeon, six, also has behavioural problems and can be a handful.

She is determined not to let the violence leave a lasting effect and is training to be a domestic violence counsellor, to give other victims the strength to move on.

As well as looking after her other children, Mason, three, and Steven, nine, Tammy spends much of her time keeping Trisha company, while her lorry-driver dad, Lee Martin, is away.

Trisha has glaucoma, which damages her vision, and she is in and out of hospital. Trisha was meant to have a makeover last year but unfortunately had to be rushed into hospital.

"Tammy is a lovely-natured young lady who would give anyone her last penny," Trisha said.

Lynn Smith, ladieswear manager at Matalan Kingswood, said: "Tammy was more of a rock-chick but she said she wanted to try something different.

"I got her to go for something more sophisticated.

"When I put her in the suit I thought she was going to hate it but she said she actually quite liked it.

"I hope it gives her the confidence for the future."

Stacey France, make-up artist at Colour Lounge, said: "For today's makeover, Tammy and I went for a smoky eye.

"I began by applying concealer to the eyes and a cream eye shadow all over the socket and eye area.

"I then applied a black eye shadow, which I blended into the socket.

"I followed this with mascara and a HD palette on the brows.

"I then used tinted moisturiser on Tammy's skintone, followed by blusher and bronzer.

"A natural lip gloss was applied to her lips."

Tammy wanted to go for a grown-up look but had no idea how.

She said: "I didn't have a clue what I wanted. I'm a rock chick but I wanted to look ladylike and sophisticated.

"She picked out a nice suit for me, I tried it on and loved it. I'm going to save it for best.

"It was fantastic. I really enjoyed myself, everyone was so friendly.

"The gentleman that did my hair – I was amazed. He was like Edward Scissorhands."

Tammy was overwhelmed by her mum's nomination.

She said: "Things like that don't happen to people like me. I've been through a lot and I'm still smiling."

"I'm going to nominate her again and hopefully she'll make it this time.

Suit jacket, £25; matching suit trousers, £14; black tunic top, £12; black wedged patent shoes, £16; leather-look bag, £10; all from Matalan, in Kingswood retail park, Hull. Call 01482 832880 for more information.

Colour Lounge, in Carr Lane, Hull. Call 01482 227755 for an appointment.