After worst year of my life I didn’t recognise myself

Care home manager’s joy at makeover

AS a care home manager, the last year has been the toughest ever for Alison as she worked 15-hour shifts, often going home at night to weep for the residents who had died.

The trained nurse was working for up to six weeks without a day off and the strain took its toll on her appearance.

She says: “We had to sit and hold the hands of people that were passing away, their families couldn’t come in. It was awful. Because of the stress and the strain, I feel like I’ve aged rapidly.

“I see these dark bags under my eyes, wrinkles. My mouth is down, I don’t feel I look like me any more.”

Alison, 48, sought the help of the experts at Channel 5 show 10 Years Younger in 10 Days and was transformed.

Alison’s fears about her looks were confirmed when people who were asked to guess her age said, on average, 54.

Alison, who is a single mother to Jack, 12, said: “2020 was the most difficult year in my career as a nurse. The numbers were incredibly high. We didn’t know what we were dealing with and we did the best we could but we lost people along the way. It’s been tough, constant work,

seven days a week. I was exhausted. I used to be the life and soul. Now I just hide. I’m just stuck in the house. I’ve just lost who I am and I miss the old me.” Cherry Healey was determined to get the old Alison back.

First, Alison had a skin cleansing treatment and microneedling to give her a smooth complexion, then vitamin drip therapy, a manicure, eyelash extensions and a haircut.

Fashion experts made the most of 6ft Alison’s height, with a mini dress and boots. And the public’s verdict? They put her at 44. She said: “I’m still there. I got a little bit lost, but I found me again.” ■ 10 Years Younger, tonight, 9pm, Channel 5.

I was exhausted. I’ve just lost who I am and I miss the old me ALISON MANAGER IN 10 YEARS YOUNGER

LOCKS STAR Alison with glam hair & make-up

TIRED How Alison looked before show