WITH a fabulous new hair cut and fully made-up face, Maria Hanson could have burst into tears.

But the disabled mother-of-two was determined not to smudge her lovely new looks when she saw herself in the mirror.

“I felt like a completely different person,” said the 53-year-old. “And I looked like one too. I was totally overwhelmed.”

Maria is never on the receiving end of treats and surprises – she's the one who dishes them out.

Since the launch of her charity, Me & Dee, she has worked tirelessly to provide people with special trip, gifts and meals out.

“The charity means the world to me,” said Maria, who lives near Swadlincote. “It's what keeps me going.”

Over the years, Maria's health has slowly deteriorated. Not only does she have a painful spine and neurological condition, she has suffered bladder and bowel problems.

She has gone under the surgeon's knife a staggering 16 times.

We decided to give Maria a personal treat to mark her charity achievements and brave battle with her health problems.

We invited her to see top stylist Natalie Fletcher, at Sassy Hair and Beauty, in Allestree.

After a year of working for Vidal Sassoon in London, the 22-year-old has returned to Derby. She's now sharing her new skills. She is also a fully trained make-up artist and has been heavily involved in the styling of magazine photo shoots.

“I wanted to mark my return by doing something special,” said Natalie. “I contacted the Evening Telegraph and offered my services. When I heard about Maria, I knew that she'd be perfect.”

For three hours, Natalie worked wonders on Maria. She highlighted her hair, gave it a good, styled cut and spent time shaping her eyebrows and finally, applying a range of new make-up products.

“I gave her a softer fringe and cut quite a few inches from the length of her hair,” said Natalie, who is based full-time at the salon on Duffield Road.

“It was a fantastic experience. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Maria. I thought that she looked lovely.”

Natalie knows her stuff. She's trained and worked with some of the best stylists in the country. She's also had opportunities to brush up on her make-up skills and is a fully trained make-up artist.

Natalie opened the shop on her day off to give Maria her make-over treat. She wanted to make the day special.

“It was really special,” said Maria. “I was nervous about going. But when I knew that there wouldn't anyone else there I felt better.

“I'm not very mobile and I felt self-conscious.”

After the new hair style and make up, Maria said: “I feel glamorous and that's hard when you are poorly and have such a dreadful mess of a body to cope with.

“Natalie was so sensitive to my needs. She's given me the look I could have only dreamed of.

“Thank you Nat, from the bottom of my heart.”

Maria has hardly ventured out since she underwent an eight-hour op to have her bladder removed in February.

“I wouldn't have missed the opportunity. It tired me out and I spend the following day in bed – but I didn't care.”

In the last few years, Maria has brought happiness to all kinds of people. Her motto is simple. She aims to give special moments when time is precious.

She set up the charity in memory of her cousin, Delia Worrall, who died from cancer in December 2005. It had been their dream to work together giving treats to people affected by debilitating conditions.

Maria is always looking at new ways to raise the profile of Me & Dee and at the same time boost vital funds.

She is organising a fun run on Sunday, September 14, at Rosliston Farm Forestry Centre and is keen to recruit more runners for the three-mile event or one-mile run. Both events start at 10am.

“We need people to support the charity and register for the run,” said Maria. “I hope it make this event an annual one.”

To nominate someone for a treat or to talk to Maria about enrolling on the fun run, contact Maria by email at maria.hanson@yahoo.co.uk or phone 0844 561 6091.