David Whittle

Noon - 4:00pm

Email the studio

Sienna Spiro

Material Lover

Listen Live

Knaresborough woman celebrates ninth anniversary of road safety talks

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 08:32

Lauren Doherty has been sharing her story with schoolchildren for 9 years.

A Knaresborough woman is celebrating nine years of educating children across the country about road safety.

Lauren Doherty launched ‘Road Safety Talks’ in June 2016 - a charity that sees her visiting schoolchildren of all ages and sharing her story.

Lauren was involved in a serious incident in 2008 that left her paralysed and needing two carers at all times.

She was struck by a van when crossing the road and spent 16 months in hospital having broken her neck, wrist and pelvis.

Lauren was kept in an induced coma for the first three days and subsequently spent three-and-a-half weeks in intensive care.

Since her accident, Lauren has dedicated her life to educating others.

She has been recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for Services to Education and was invited to the King’s Coronation in London as a special guest.

Lauren has also appeared on ITV’s This Morning and BBC Look North as part of her ongoing road safety campaign.

Speaking about the nine-year milestone, Lauren said:

"I wouldn’t have thought for one minute that from talking to 10 children at Dacre Braithwaite School all those years ago would have resulted in us meeting so many lovely people and visiting incredible places.

"It is still my hope that if by sharing my story prevents even one other person from experiencing what I have been through over the years then the work we do is worthwhile."

Rebecca Blunstone, Lauren’s close friend and colleague, added:

“The support and kindness that Lauren and I have received over the last nine years of Road Safety Talks has been absolutely incredible and for that we will always be extremely grateful.

"It has been an amazing journey and one that has shown us that out of adversity comes opportunity."

Lauren continues to reach thousands of children every week through radio, TV, newspapers and social media.

Find out more about Road Safety Talks and read more about Lauren’s story here, or to book a talk, fill out the form online here.

More from Local News

Harrogate Town Unveil New Home Kit for 2026/26 Season

After an incredible in-store reveal with Jack Evans this morning, the 2026/27 home shirt is now available.
Harrogate resident latest to scoop free tank of fuel

Free Fuel Friday returned this morning, giving Your Harrogate listeners the chance to bag a full tank of free fuel.
20-person brawl breaks out at Ripon pub

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and "large-scale disorder" at the One Eyed Rat pub in Ripon earlier this month.
RAF flypast planned over Harrogate district next weekend

A number of wartime aircrafts are set to fly over the Harrogate district next weekend.
Three hotels in Harrogate district named among best in UK by Telegraph

Three hotels in the Harrogate district have been named among the best places to stay in the UK by The Telegraph.
Petition calls for action to protect Knaresborough Castle

A petition calling for urgent action to protect and restore Knaresborough Castle is set to be debated by councillors after attracting more than 500 signatures.
Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show returns this weekend

Hundreds of vehicles and a range of family attractions are set to take over Harrogate Rugby Club this weekend as the Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show and Family Fun Day returns.
Solar panels installed at Ripon Leisure Centre to help cut energy bills

Nearly 1,000 solar panels have been installed at three North Yorkshire leisure facilities in a move that is set to reduce energy costs by hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Police make arrest after fight on Harrogate street

Police are appealing for information about a violent incident that occurred at Fairfax Avenue in Harrogate.
Harrogate IT business 'incredibly proud' to represent town at national awards

A Harrogate computer and IT business has been named as a finalist in four categories at the national Tech Awards 2026.
Harrogate school fair to showcase young musical talent

Young performers from Harrogate are set to take to the stage alongside professional musicians as part of a new live music event at Rossett Acre Primary School's annual Summer Fair.
Harrogate care team conquers 45km charity walk

A Harrogate care team has completed a 45km charity walk in scorching heat, raising more than £1,300 for two local organisations supporting older people.
Increase in shoppers being duped by AI 'High Street' scams

Shoppers hunting for online bargains are being duped by sophisticated scam websites that convincingly pose as well known UK high street retailers, North Yorkshire trading standards officers have warned.
Financial investigators brought in to examine council-owned house builder

North Yorkshire Council has brought in financial investigators to look into its loss-making housing company Brierley Homes, it has emerged.
Comedy legend to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour

Comedy icon Harry Enfield is set to visit Harrogate later this year as part of his latest UK tour.
Governors oppose battery storage site near Knaresborough primary school

The governing body of a primary school near Knaresborough has announced its opposition to plans for a large-scale battery energy storage system next to the school site.
Street rangers tackle benches and bird mess on Cambridge Street

Harrogate BID's Street Rangers have been carrying out cleaning work on Cambridge Street as part of ongoing efforts to keep Harrogate town centre looking its best.
Harrogate Cat Rescue issues update on kittens born with genetic condition

Two kittens with genetic bone problems have been making "fantastic progress" under the care of Harrogate Cat Rescue following an appeal to help meet ongoing vet expenses.
Harrogate MP launches campaign to save M&S café on Leeds Road

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has launched a campaign to 'save' the M&S café at the store on Leeds Road.
Paddling pool in Valley Gardens remains closed for maintenance

The paddling pool at Harrogate's Valley Gardens has been temporarily closed while further checks are carried out following issues identified during maintenance work.