A GREAT Yarmouth woman has defied the odds by opening her own business after being told she would never walk again.Ten years ago Sharon Driver was expected to be confined to a wheelchair, but has confounded medical opinion to recover from crippling arthritis.

A GREAT Yarmouth woman has defied the odds by opening her own business after being told she would never walk again.

Ten years ago Sharon Driver was expected to be confined to a wheelchair, but has confounded medical opinion to recover from crippling arthritis.

Today Sharon, 48, was welcoming the first customers at her newly opened general store in Beaconsfield Road.

It is a massive step for mum of one who was not able to work for a decade as a result of the condition she has suffered from since her teenage years.

Sharon credits the dramatic recovery to seeing a spiritual healer three years ago, since when she has regained much of her mobility.

After previously struggling just to leave to the house, life is now a whirl of activity for Sharon who has recently started co-presenting a Saturday morning show on Hospital Radio Yare.

Now she has no worries about coping with the demands of the business, J & S stores, she is running with business partner Jayne.

Sharon said: “I still have bad days, but I am mobile most of the time. Previously I was had to take 18 tablets a day now I am on seven.

“I am able to walk unaided most of the time, only occasionally use a stick and the pain is much less severe.

“It is very exciting to be starting our own business, even more so as the opening day has got closer.

“We are trying to bring back old fashioned corner shop selling groceries, newspapers and magazines.”

Sharon who is originally from Birmingham has lived in Yarmouth for the last 13 years.

She worked for a time as a store security guard before fulfilling her dream of running her own business.

Husband Greg, a trained carpenter, has been lending a hand working in the shop while Sharon and Jayne have been busy wielding paint brushes.

“I could never have imagined my life could have turned out this way, the transformation had been amazing,” said Sharon. “This is a wonderful opportunity after all the struggles I have been through.”