AN NHS manager turned baker has spoken about how post-natal depression saw her following a new dream to open a bakery.

Danielle Almond set up Baked Cakes in Bacup in June at the height of the coronavirus pandemic as she quit her stressful job to focus on something new.

The mum of 16-month-old Edward was an assistant practice manager at a GP in Oswaldtwistle before quitting this year before lockdown.

She said: “Last year in May I had Edward and in August I was diagnosed with postnatal depression. It was a really tough time, but I consider myself lucky because support from family was so great.”

“I had to think about what would be best for my family.

“I went back to my role and I struggled because I was trying to be the person I was before, but I was not that person anymore.”

Mrs Almond had been baking for friends and family for many years, who all suggested she bake full time, but she wanted to work in the NHS.

She said: “I was very career focussed, I loved my job and did not mind if I was late going home, but after having Edward I wanted a work-life balance.

“But in my work environment you cannot make a mistake and when your mind is not in the best of places, it is pressure.

“My therapist told me that no decision is irreversible, so I could always go back if I wanted to and this really helped me.”

To ensure safety for the new business, Mrs Almond allows only one person in the bakery at a time and ask people if they can, to order online to make things easier when coming in to pay and collect.

She said: “I started baking professionally before Christmas at home and then the opportunity of the retail space became available just before the lockdown started.”

The shop also did home deliveries during the lockdown period.

Many people wanted to send cakes to older relatives they could not see, and it came as a surprise to many of the relatives when they opened their doors.

Mrs Almond said: “I still think – what was I doing opening a business in the lockdown, but I had to make this work because this is my career and future now.

“I say the business is my other therapy because I really enjoy it and I can walk to work and take Edward with me.”

Mrs Almond is still recovering from postnatal depression while working at the bakery and looking after Edward.