AFTER being left fighting for her life, a Hayes photographer is looking forward to a new future.

Joanne Keepe is coming to terms with disabilities and aims to build a new career by studying at the University of West London in Ealing.

She is lucky to be alive after falling from the seventh floor of a building, which left her in a coma and needing months of hospital care.

After learning to walk and even drive again thanks to medical shoes and a specially-adapted car, she knew she had to rethink her profession.

The 45-year-old is entering her third year of study for a Photography BA (Hons).

Joanne said: “I was so lucky to be alive, but when I was in hospital I thought all my dreams were over and everything had been taken away, I had to work hard to focus on what was important to me. 

“It was one step at a time and I didn’t want to give up photography, but I can’t be on my feet all day anymore. I knew a degree would open up avenues for me to work in editing or management.  

She made the most of UWL’s summer school, which helps mature learners get up to speed with study skills before they begin a degree course. 

“I’m not the only person on my course over the age of 18 and that really helped me feel like I fitted in,” she said.