A personal trainer from Bradford has told how fitness helped her overcome a battle with mental health and brain injuries.

Runner Carla Sharp was chasing dreams of becoming a personal trainer and leading beginners at Northowram Pumas when her life suddenly took a dark turn in 2019.

"I ended up going off sick at my full time job with anxiety, stress and depression," the 35-year-old from Clayton said.

"I've always suffered with mental health problems but I've always been able to deal with it in my own way. After a month off trying to help myself and awaiting counselling, I was ready to go back. We'd also put in an offer on a new house so everything was looking up!

"But in September 2019 I had an even bigger set back. I fell causing multiple injuries to my head.

"I don't remember going to hospital, my husband said I just passed out. I woke up in an ambulance thinking I just had a bit of a headache.

"I was really in shock. They said some of my injuries were like I had a stroke.

"The doctor said 'You're lucky, really lucky, to be alive. You could have died of your injuries'. It was scary, it makes you appreciate everything."

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The hospital revealed Carla had a bleed and bruising on the brain, a suspected aneurysm and a fracture down the side of her face and across her cheekbones.

The running coach went from running half marathons to being unable to walk without extreme dizziness or sickness.

The brain injury saw Carla lose her sense of taste and smell while her hearing disappeared in one ear.

"I was in so much pain with my injuries but I was very very lucky," Carla said.

"Of the injuries I had, the bleed on the brain could have killed me.

"When I walked I'd have to stop as I'd go dizzy and was afraid I'd fall over again. If I laid down a certain way I'd go dizzy, the room would spin and I couldn't sit or stand up.

"I was told I wasn't allowed to work, workout, gym or run and I wasn't allowed to drive, for possibly 6 months.

"I felt like I'd lost my independence."

Carla experienced a life of rest and endless CT scans while doctors feared any increase in heart rate could impact the suspected aneurysm, thought to be on her brain's main artery.

The aspiring personal trainer was forced to let go of her dreams and suspend her studies. 

But several tests and three months later, Carla was given the all clear after a scan showed no bruising, bleed and aneurysm.

Carla recalled: "I was so, so happy I could finally start getting back to normal.

"I went back to work straight away and also rebooked my personal training course. I passed with flying colours.

"After my course I was back at work full time, my plan for the future for personal training was to help people after work or on a weekend. However work took its toll on my mental health again and I ended up going off sick.

"I was also told by a doctor I had reactive depression from my fall, which is like PTSD.

"I felt like a failure having to go to the doctors again but she made me realise I was allowed to ask for help!"

After months of poor health, the PT took a leap and decided to launch her own company.

Inspired by her own journey, Carla said: "My aim is to help people achieve their goals, making them realise they can still live a normal life.

"Seeing people's physical health and mental health improve whilst training with me is what makes everything worthwhile. 

"My company has gone from strength to strength and I've now been able to leave my office job! I'm now the strongest I've ever been, in my mind and in my body."

In a direct message to anyone struggling to cope with life, Carla said: "Seek help if you need the help. Don't be afraid to go ask for it because there's always someone out there willing to listen."