A SPORTS massage student, who was inspired by her own injuries, is now helping others with the launch of her own business.
Gemma Eddy was being treated for injuries to her hip and gluteal muscle when she realised she enjoyed the atmosphere of the treatment room.
After more than a decade away from the classroom she enrolled at Darlington College on a fulltime Active IQ Level 3 extended diploma in personal training course and, in the evening, a part-time Active IQ Level 3 sports massage therapy qualification.
Still suffering from chronic back pain, she is pressing ahead with her dream to run a sports massage business, with a longtime goal of becoming a personal trainer.
And her efforts have won her a prestigious nomination by Darlington College for a national award run by the Association of Colleges.
“I always loved PE at Hurworth School and when I came to the college to study uniformed services 15 years ago it was the best two years of my life,” said Gemma, of Sadberge.
“I had considered the police and fire brigade but for some reason I ended up going from job to job, including working at Deerbolt Prison, in Barnard Castle, in Aycliffe Secure Centre and as a security officer at the JobCentre.
“Then it dawned on me that I should have done what I am doing now when I first left school. Darlington College has been great, the other younger students were so welcoming and I am looking forward to the future now.
“It’s very exciting the number of doors this has opened. The fitness industry is so big and people are becoming injured all the time.
“I am still having treatment, including massage, physio and acupuncture, on my back and what I am learning to help others is also helping me.”
The 32-year-old is also planning to study Level 3 beauty massage, as well as a digital marketing course to help her promote her business – G L Sports Massage – on social media platforms.
Darlington College lecturer in sports and fitness Stephen Combe said: “Gemma has shown exceptional commitment, resilience, and drive throughout the courses despite facing ongoing physical injuries herself.
“She has fully participated in all practical sessions and consistently maintained a positive, can-do attitude. Balancing her studies with a job as a cleaner in a gym, she has also taken on an additional evening course which is an impressive workload that she has managed with maturity and determination.
“She has even found time to regularly support classmates, especially those with additional learning needs, and provides constructive peer feedback, making her a valued member of the cohort.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.