A hairdresser was thrilled to start a new job after recovering from a life-threatening medical emergency.

Lorrae Edwards’s journey began when she was taken by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with a bad stomach ache in October 2022.

She explained: “Once at the hospital, they told me I had a ruptured colon and had half an hour to live.

“The rupture was so big that everything went septic and I went into a kind of shock.”

Ms Edwards added: “I showed no symptoms before that day; I was knocking on death’s door and didn’t even know it.”

Surgeon Boris Vestweber operated on the day Ms Edwards was admitted and she spent three weeks recovering before she returned to work at Bersalon on Pitts Bay Road.

Ms Edwards, who has worked as a salon manager and hairdresser on the island for more than 30 years, had surgery againin February and June, both related to the first operation.

She explained: “I was then in recovery until September 1, when I was supposed to go back to Bersalon — but their premises had closed down and they did not have anywhere for hairdressers to go.”

Before applying for another job, Ms Edwards, who is originally from Britain, had to wait for a permanent resident’s certificate, which she received earlier this month. She has since joined the team at Three Graces Day Spa at the Newstead Belmont Hills resort.

She said: “The salon has a great spot overlooking Hamilton Harbour, a nice team and some great products.”

Ms Edwards recognised many people who helped her back to health, including her partner Archie Waltaum; Judy Richardson, the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s chief of nursing and her team; and especially Dr Vestweber.

She said: “His professionalism and compassionate approach were evident throughout the entire ordeal and I believe it is essential to acknowledge the profound impact he had on my life.

“His commitment to excellence in healthcare has not only given me a second chance at life but also inspired a renewed sense of appreciation for the precious gift of health.”

Filled with this new appreciation, Ms Edwards encouraged others to “stay positive, move forward and live every aspect of every day, because tomorrow is never promised”.

She is looking forward to working with new clients and welcoming back familiar faces at the salon and spa.