Coma man opens therapy centre

Three years ago businessman Joseph Smart was in a coma

A man who almost died after a car crash three years ago has fought back to open a business which he hopes will help others.

Joseph Smart, 29, is hoping the celebrity craze for flotation chambers will catch on in Northamptonshire.

Three years ago Mr Smart, from Northampton, spent weeks in a coma after being badly hurt in a car crash.

He was in a car on the A43 which was crushed by an articulated lorry.

A legacy of the accident is permanently disability but that has not deterred him from qualifying as a fitness instructor.

Now he has started his own business with the help of the Princes Trust.

It takes a ton of minerals to achieve a sensation of no gravity

He has opened a flotation therapy centre in his home town.

"It's been hard to get here to this stage. There have been a lot of hurdles to climb but now we are here - it's good."

His view was echoed by Lesa Jones, who donned a swimming costume for a trial run in the tank at Therafloat.

It takes a ton of salt and minerals in each floatation tank to create the illusion of zero gravity.

It a sensation that many believe can both heal and relax.

"It's so relaxing its beautiful. It makes me feel so sleepy. I just want to all asleep - it's lovely." Lesa said.

Mr Smart has been supported by the Princes Trust, which is providing him with a business mentor for the next three years.