I remember checking my Facebook notifications one morning and reading one from Wendy. She had shared my latest video, commenting on how much she enjoyed watching it and how she would love to be transformed. It got me thinking - how fabulous would it be to actually make that happen? I talked to my fabulous ‘Glam Squad’ Jenna Kelly and Hilary Jones; they were definitely on board for this little adventure! Next up was THE phone call to Wendy. How did it go? Well she screamed. A LOT!!! And then she screamed some more! I don’t think she could have been any more ecstatic than if she had just been told she’d won the lottery! And I don’t think I could have asked for a more amazing reaction. When she eventually calmed down (many days later!) all the plans were put in place.

Wendy Thomas or ‘Wendy Party Plan’ as most people know her as, has been a friend of my family for many years; always the life and soul of the party, she was so much fun to be around. A few years ago Wendy met her ‘Silver Fox’ Roger and so began the next amazing chapter of her life. Their life was suddenly turned upside down when Roger was diagnosed with cancer, with the next two years spent in and out of hospital where Roger underwent gruelling treatment in the hope that his cancer would go into remission. Wendy says they were always laughing even with everything that was happening to them; she wouldn’t allow herself to cry in front of him and would only cry in private, always wanting to be strong for him. Sadly, after putting up a fierce fight for almost two years, Roger lost his battle with cancer and Wendy fell to pieces at the loss of her ‘Silver Fox’. She lost her confidence and her way as she tried to cope with the overwhelming grief that had become her life. Getting through the day was an achievement in itself. Slowly, with the help of family and friends who gave her lots of comfort - especially her children Neil, Sian and Lloyd and her sister Linda - they also gave her tough love (predominantly Sian), to help her start to live again. Wendy returned to work and is now trying to build her confidence as she embarks upon another new chapter of her life.

With Wendy comfortably seated in Pimped Up Pins hair salon, I finally revealed to her and Hilary what I envisaged and what I wanted us to achieve. A 50s film star, bombshell look. And who better to take inspiration from? The one and only Marilyn Monroe! To say Wendy was excited is an understatement. She was adamant we would never pull of that look in a million years! Really Wendy? I always achieve everything I put my mind to; and this assignment was no exception! After showing Hilary photos of the hair, she got straight to work, creating exactly the look I wanted. She always delivers! Wendy had a quick peek - her expression was priceless! If she was excited before, she was now in overdrive. With Hilary’s work done, we moved on to the studio, where Jenna was waiting for us, ready for phase two. I had already briefed Jenna as to the look I had envisaged for Wendy. She took my vision, soon turning into a reality. Is there any look this talented lady can’t achieve? I don’t think so!

The moment we had all been waiting for. The big reveal. With her eyes closed, positioned in front of the mirror, on the count of three Wendy opened her newly made-up eyes. How did Wendy react? She actually collapsed in mine and Jenna’s arms and was shaking so much we had to hold her up! After the utter disbelief that this really was her, she started to cry, as did we. I cannot believe how emotional everyone became. It was a very humbling, moving and special moment, one I don’t think any of us will ever forget. Wendy’s reaction was incredibly powerful. She looked absolutely stunning. Having known Wendy most of my life I can honestly say I have never seen her look more beautiful, or that stunned into silence. Anybody who has ever met Wendy will vouch that she never stops talking, so to see her totally lost for words is a very rare occasion!

With hair and makeup complete and accessories in place it was time for the photo shoot with Adrian. If Wendy was nervous she didn’t show it, quickly getting into the swing of things. She is an absolute natural in front of the camera and we already had the ‘money shot’ by the second photo! We used two beautiful scarves to create texture, colour and drama - one black, one white - alternating with black or white backdrops to create a classy, chic and glamorous feel to the photos. As for Wendy, all she could hear were excited yelps from Jenna and me as the images appeared on the monitor. Shot after shot, Wendy nailed it. And we did show her one image to have an idea of what to expect. Again, she was lost for words.

When Wendy first sat in the makeup chair with Jenna, she confessed that she needed to save for an eye lift, botox and fillers. You can imagine how dismayed I felt that she thought this was her only option to look and feel better. As my philosophy is to make the best of what Mother Nature gave us, by looking after your skin with the right products, finding a good hair stylist, a talented makeup artist for special occasions (and to learn from them how to do your own daily makeup), and learn which clothes suit your body shape while eating and exercising well to make sure you have the best possible lifestyle. When we revealed Wendy’s look in the mirror she said that the realisation of my philosophy hit her hard. Yes, you can look beautiful without resorting to nips, tucks, botox and fillers. Yes, you can transform yourself with a different hairstyle and well applied makeup and YES, YOU CAN LOOK FABULOUS! Wendy’s first thought when she saw her reflection was “She is beautiful”, followed a split second later with “F**k it’s me!” She says, “I just wanted to jump in the mirror, grab hold of that person and say - Look at you, you look absolutely beautiful! I’ve always thought my looks to be very average; that I don’t stand out in a crowd. I’ve always been told my personality outshines my looks. BUT, when I looked in that mirror I saw a beautiful woman there. You made me realise I could look beautiful and that it is achievable. I’ve always wanted to be Marilyn Monroe and now that’s happened. It was a magical experience. I felt as though I was drunk on champagne. I was euphoric. On a natural high! The whole experience was amazing. It’s boosted my confidence and was the kick up the arse I needed! I did ask myself, why did Emma choose me? But I believe in karma and if you do something nice you’ll get it back. Emma’s magazine inspires and uplifts me and I always make sure I tell her that.”