THIS week is a special one for Sarah Latham.

Yesterday marked one year since she single handedly opened her dream business – Quintessence Beauty Salon on Malpas High Street.

For the 28-year-old that was a huge achievement, especially as she was recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumour when she set up her business.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Sarah, of Tattenhall, managed to organise a wedding at the same time.

“It’s been a really tough time,” said Sarah, who is expecting her first baby in October.

“I was working at the salon already, and decided I wanted to buy it off the previous owner who was selling.

“In January 2009, the very day I approached the owner about buying it, I was rushed into hospital and diagnosed with a brain tumour.”

Luckily, the tumour turned out to be benign, but the gruelling surgery and recovery involved didn’t stop Sarah going ahead and buying the business just a year later.

And not one to do things by halves, just three weeks after sealing the deal, she married Simon – her long term partner of 11 years.

“I hired extra staff for the salon to help me out and redecorated it all. Everyone has been so helpful,” added Sarah.

“It has been a very hard time but I got through it and have made a success of it – this week we’ve had our busiest week at the salon.

“I couldn’t have asked for more support from everyone.”

And Sarah says that her parents have been her rock.

She said mum Jane Kennerley, 57, has been a ‘godsend’ to her, giving up her job as a secretary to help with the salon’s admin.

But after seeing her daughter through such a challenging journey, Jane is happy to help out:

She said: “I was devastated when Sarah was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

“She has gone from strength to strength and has got on with things – we are all so proud of how she has dealt with everything.

“After a tough couple of years it’s full steam ahead now, and we’re really excited!”