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.
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