A model who was diagnosed with a curved spine is overcoming the condition to fulfil her ambition of appearing in fashion magazines.

 

Leanne Roberts, 18, would spend ages in front of a mirror trying to self correct her posture and stand up straight after being diagnosed with scoliosis two years ago.

 

She feared it would end her modelling dreams because she thought nobody wanted to look at a wonky model.

 

"I was diagnosed when I was 16, I was at the age where I was really impressionable and it affected me really badly.

 

"It was awful how much time I would spend crying and I was terrified of what would happen to me. I was paranoid I would end up looking awful and would end up in a wheelchair."

 

Leanne, of High Balk, Barnsley, has a double S-shaped curved spine.

 

She first noticed aching pains when she was 14, but put them down to growing pains. It was only when she started to suffer agonising shooting pains that she mentioned it to her mother and went to see her GP.

 

She was told by a consultant she would need surgery but discovered through Scoliosis SOS how simple exercises could avoid surgery and make a huge difference.

 

"I was ecstatic and I couldn't wait to start the treatment. I think everyone should consider exercise before putting themselves through a risky operation.

 

"I could feel the difference in my back after the first few days, and I could see the difference. As long as I keep up with the exercises I shouldn't suffer from pain and my scoliosis should stabilise. I feel like I am back in control again."

 

The condition is likely to get worse, but Leanne is smiling again and, having appeared on fashion websites, has thrown herself back into modelling and is looking to win a host of new contracts.

 

"I feel I can now finally look forward," she said.