From life-saving surgery to becoming a Pilates instructor

Amber Burnip had life-saving surgery to remove her colon in May 2025 after years suffering with ulcerative colitis.

The 33-year-old mum-of-one, from York, spent a total of 91 days in York Hospital, requiring blood transfusions and intensive treatment after receiving an ileostomy.

She subsequently found Pilates was a "low impact, safe way to exercise", and says it was "a huge part of my recovery".

She says her life "changed" after her surgery and has now opened her own Pilates studio to "help other people move their body".