Mum has £5000 tummy tuck on the NHS to fulfil dream of becoming 'the next ... - Mirror.co.uk

A single mum has had a £5,000 tummy tuck paid for by the NHS - so she fulfil her dream of becoming the 'next Julia Roberts'.

Kelly McManus, 27, told doctors her post-pregnancy body was stopping her from taking up acting and singing lessons.

The part-time beautician complained to her GP saying the issue was causing her to be depressed.

She told the Sun: "I lost all my confidence because of it. It was leaving me depressed and ruining my sex life."

At first doctors recommended physiotherapy and exercise but 18 months later Kelly was told the NHS would pay for the surgery.

The procedure, at Bradford Royal Infirmary, involved a three-hour operation to remove excess skin on her abdomen.

Single mum Kelly admitted she was "lucky" to have had the operation funded by the taxpayer but said it saved costs on having to treat her depression.

Tummy tucks are rarely available through the NHS and doctors say there must be psychological or physical reasons to have it done.

If done privately, the surgery can cost anywhere between £4,000 and £6,500.

Kelly added: "My new tummy has changed my life. I feel like a new woman.

She told the Sun: "I can't wait to start acting lessons now. Who knows, maybe I could be the next Julia Roberts."