Melanie welcomed home from spinal surgery in Barcelona
A 27 year-old from Cramlington says she feels like a 'new woman' after returning home from life changing surgery in Spain.
Melanie Hartshorn has a genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which has seen her spend years confined to a bed.
She had her neck and spine fused in an operation in Barcelona which means she can now sit up, use a wheelchair and finally play with her young niece.
After almost three months in Spain, she says she's looking forward to a future she'd previously only dreamed of.
Our reporter Amy Lea went out to Barcelona to follow Mel's progress, and now has been to welcome her home.