Car-crash millionaire finds a karaoke cure

Martha Lane Fox has opened a new London branch of her karaoke chain and says the success of the business has been crucial in helping her mentally recover from a serious car crash.

The 35-year-old entrepreneur rose to prominence as cofounder of travel website lastminute.com, before being involved in a near fatal accident in Morocco in 2004.

She had to spend more than a year in hospital, with over 23 operations.

However, a year after the crash Ms Lane Fox was well enough to launch her Tokyoinspired karaoke chain.

As she prepares to open a new Lucky Voice bar in Upper Street in Islington, following the success of branches in Soho, Manchester and Cardiff, Ms Lane Fox told the Standard the project had been a lifeline: "I can truthfully say that I really love going there - it always makes you feel better and in that way, it has helped. I can testify to this, having to do very little since the accident."

The concept allows groups to have karaoke parties in private rooms. Past visitors include Paul McCartney and Coldplay singer Chris Martin.

Ms Lane Fox, a former pupil of Westminster School who lives in Mayfair, launched lastminute.com with Brent Hoberman in 1998.

At its peak the firm was valued at almost £800 million before it was sold for £577 million in 2003.