Jan Turner (58), of Langdale in Fleckney, was diagnosed with spondylosis – degeneration of the spine – almost 24 years ago and has had to use a wheelchair ever since.

The pain in her lower back, hips and right leg made it excruciatingly painful to walk even a few metres.

But after a Boxing Day “miracle”, Mrs Turner is now able to walk around town, jump up and down, and even touch her toes with no pain at all.

Mum-of-two Mrs Turner, who is blind, was staying at Harborough friend Anne Pridmore’s house at the time.

“I went to bed and all of a sudden I had a dreadful hot flush, then a warm sensation down my back, like pins and needles, then no pain.

“I normally struggle to get out of bed but this time I positively leapt out of bed and landed on my feet. I found I could walk, then I jumped about and even touched my toes. Since then I haven’t used my wheelchair at all.”

A committed Christian who worships at the Central Avenue Christian Church in Wigston, Mrs Turner described the improvement as a miracle, putting it down to divine intervention.

Spondylosis normally occurs with aging but Mrs Turner was diagnosed while aged in her 30s. It was compounded by an existing congenital nerve condition at the base of Mrs Turner’s spine. She said this condition and her blindness were caused as a result of her premature birth when she weighed just 2lbs 12oz.

Mrs Turner, who has been married to husband Dennis (64) for 35 years, said her family and friends had been amazed by the transformation.

A membership and services manager for the UK Disabled People’s Council, she used to work for the Harborough Council for Voluntary Service.

She said: “I have now walked round Harborough and can work in the kitchen standing up – next I’m hoping to get the confidence to start using the bus again and am considering getting back into sport!”