Last updated at 18:04, Friday, 04 May 2012

A businesswoman who shot to prominence after inventing a baby sling that became a worldwide hit has opted for a radical new direction – as a foot practitioner.

Claire Willis with son Josh in a sling

Claire Willis, of Cargo, near Carlisle, came up with the Snugbaby infant carrier in 2008 after struggling to keep up with her youngest son’s Josh’s demands for attention while she tried to go about her everyday tasks.

The invention won her a string of awards – including a prize in last year’s CN Group Business Awards – and was sold as far afield as Australia.

But now the mum-of-two has revealed she is executing a stunning career u-turn by launching a mobile domiciliary footcare practice.

She qualified as a footcare practitioner last month after studying for a diploma in foot health. Her background is in the health sector having graduated with a degree in ophthalmic dispensing from Bradford University.

She sold Snugbaby last month.

“After putting so much effort into studying, I am thrilled to have achieved this qualification and to be dipping my toes in the water of foot healthcare,” said Claire.

For more information visit www.carlislefootcare.co.uk

First published at 14:40, Friday, 04 May 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk