New-look Anita stuns crowd at 10 Years Younger finale
THE moment finally came when the Highland News Group’s 10 Years Younger winner lifted the lid on her new appearance.
Emotions were running high as Anita Crant stepped onto the gold carpet at the big reveal at Debenhams in the Eastgate Centre.
The event, which was compered by MFR’s breakfast host Nicky Marr, saw Anita’s mum Rita Kearns (63) burst into tears with happiness as she saw her daughter "transformed" after making the tough decision not to visit her for the 12-week process of the competition.
See more photos of Anita’s amazing transformation here
An emotional Rita told the Highland News Group: "I just can’t believe it, this is going to change her whole future in a positive way.
"Even her posture has changed, she’s been transformed into a much more confident person.
"If she walked past me in the street, I just wouldn’t have recognised her. I’m just so pleased. She looks like a film star."
She added: "I just can’t believe the change. I’m so emotional to see her, it really has been tough not to see her all these weeks, but I’m so glad we managed it because the wait has absolutely been worth it. She looks so different."
The finale of the competition, which was sponsored by Rosedene House, Fit4less and Eden Dental Clinic, saw glamorous Anita step onto the catwalk in the Eastgate Centre to a crowd gathered to see her new look.
Members of the public clapped and cheered as Anita, a nurse in the dermatology department in Raigmore Hospital, finally did a twirl for everyone to see.
The 44-year-old has achieved the new look after having been put through her paces by a host of beauty industry experts, dental specialists and fitness instructors.
She has received £8,000 worth of treatments as part of the amazing Highland News Group prize which included new gnashers, hair colour and extensions, personal gym training sessions and facial aesthetics at Rosedene House, as well as a personal shopping experience at Debenhams.
Anita, who had her partner Andy and two sons Nyall and Luke plus an army of friends waiting to see her, said she felt like she was "a new person".
She said: "I’m speechless, I don’t know what to say. I feel like I’m a different person to who I was.
"I feel so happy and so much more confident than I have been in a long time. This really has been a brilliant opportunity and I am going to stick to the changes I have begun."
And the gorgeous Anita added: "This is the first time I have worn a dress in 10 years and it’s the first time my partner Andy has ever seen me in a dress.
"I’ve always just worn jeans or trousers. I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way, especially those people who I have seen week-to-week."
Wow! What a transformation!
It’s been a busy 12 weeks for the team behind Anita’s transformation, but all the treatments – as well as her own hard work – have made it all worthwhile.
Stuart Main, Anita’s personal trainer at Fit4less gym, said Anita has been "great to work with and really enthusiastic. She really went above and beyond in terms of effort with the gym. And when she noticed the difference to her fitness and appearance, it motivated her even more.
"We varied the exercises over the course of the make-over, with the personal training sessions really making a difference. I’d recommend personal training to everyone – it doesn’t matter what weight or age you are – Anita has proved that."
Dr Ken Provan from Eden Dental Clinic was amazed by her transformation, too.
He said: "Anita looks absolutely fantastic and I wish her all the best. She was so enthusiastic. We made her smile more even using veneers, which she seems very happy with."
Anita said: "Ken made me feel at ease and I smile more confidently now."
Donna Kellacher, hair extensions specialist at Hair Directory in Rosedene House, said: "Anita’s hair was very black so we did a colour reduction twice then put highlights through to soften her look.
"She wanted a glamorous look so we used hair extensions. She looks amazing – the team are so pleased with the result."
Anita said: "I absolutely love my hair – the colour the stylists have achieved is amazing, it makes such a difference."
Lynne Edgar, of Balloch in Inverness was in the crowd at Anita’s big reveal.
She said: "Anita was my bridesmaid – it’s very emotional to see her today. She looks amazing – I can’t believe the difference!"
Anita’s partner Andy said: "She looks absolutely fantastic. I’ve never ever seen Anita in a dress before – but she looks absolutely great. The difference in her confidence is huge. I’m really proud of her."
Her son Nyall (17) said his mum’s changed a lot: "She’s got into a good routine with the gym and she looks really good. I like her look and her hair’s nice."
Younger brother Luke (16) was really pleased at his mum’s efforts, saying: "I was completely shocked when I saw her."
