RTE viewers enjoyed a heartwarming makeover show on Wednesday night as a brave young woman shared her story on My Yellow Brick Road.
The new programme saw Laura Gahan, 27, who suffers from a genetic condition called Nail-Patella Syndrome get a makeover and confidence coaching from four specially selected guides.
Westmeath native Laura, who now lives in Ballyfermot in Dublin with her family, revealed how her illness causes problems with her nails, bones and kidneys.
She told RTE how the condition had taken its toll on her, saying: "When I was born I had club feet … I can’t fully extend my arms.
"I have a very small patella, which is a knee cap, I have an absence of finger nails. I produce too much protein in my kidneys, which over time gave me kidney failure, so I ended up on dialysis when I was 22."
Laura was forced to take time off work and move back home while she recuperated from her illness and she's now looking to get her life back on track.
She explained: "I was working, I was well, I was happy, I was going out with a guy at the time, I was living independently. Then when I got sick, I moved back home."
Laura underwent a kidney transplant, successfully, but after spending three years out of the workforce, she's anxious about restarting her career.
Despite everything she's been through, Laura remains upbeat and her positive attitude impressed viewers at home.
Expert coaches Claire, Greg, Jordan and Noel were on hand to help Laura source expert career advice, work experience and interview preparation.
They also helped her with a new look, nutrition advice and lots of encouragement.
Laura is now working in a nursing home thanks to the help from the show’s four inspiration guides.
And grateful for the experience, she said she hoped her story can show others that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
She said: “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
“It’s just so good to feel normal and so good to say ‘I have work tomorrow’.
“You have a routine, you are getting up and you are having your breakfast and making your lunch and I do be in such good humour in the morning going out the door and feeling like I’m busy.
“There nothing worse than thinking “what am I going to do”.
“I was so worried about sharing my story but over the last few days it’s the best thing I’ve ever done and I just hope it opens doors and gets people involved and to believe in themselves more."
Viewers at home were left feeling happy also, with many sharing their thoughts on social media.
One happy viewer wrote on Twitter: "That was so heartwarming to watch. If we could all show a little kindness and encouragement to each other look what can be achieved. Laura looks so happy, I am delighted for her. #YellowBrickRoad."
Another added: "Loved watching the #yellowbrickroad on @RTE2 it's like Ireland's version of @QueerEye really delighted for Laura finding a job and her confidence. Can't wait to see the next few episodes."
