On Air Now

Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 8:00am

Now Playing

Phil Collins

You Can't Hurry Love

Knaresborough's Lauren Doherty featured in national newspaper

Lauren Doherty at Ripley Endowed CE Primary School.

Knaresborough's Lauren Doherty has been featured in a national newspaper for the first time to highlight the amazing work she is doing to promote road safety.

After a horrific accident left her paralysed in 2008, Lauren launched local charity 'Road Safety Talks.'

Using her own experience, she tours the country to give hard-hitting talks to school children and educate them about road safety and disabilities. 

And for the first time, her story has been featured in a national newspaper.

The Mirror has featured Lauren, alongside best friend and colleague Rebecca Blunstone, in print and online to further highlight the great work Road Safety Talks continues to do.

Rebecca said:

"Today we saw the first national newspaper to feature Lauren’s story and the Road Safety Talks project.

"Thanks very much to Heather Main who interviewed us both last week and for writing such a great article.

"We welcome every opportunity to share Lauren’s story and the work we do in the hope it prevents even one person going through [something] similar."

Lauren was recognised for her amazing work in 2021 when she was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the late Queen’s birthday honours for services to education.

She was also invited to the King's Coronation in 2023.

Lauren’s story

In 2008, Lauren was involved in a life-changing road traffic accident, which left her paralysed and needing round-the-clock care.

Having experienced the devastation that a lack of concentration could cause, Lauren now helps others learn the consequences of road safety.

Speaking via her website roadsafetytalks.co.uk, Lauren details her accident and the effect it has had on her life:

“I don’t know what made me cross the road at the wrong time, but I crossed the road without looking and taking due care and attention.

“I was hit by a van, was left completely paralysed and need everything doing for me.  I have 2 carers with me at all times and have had to accept that this is my life now.

“I hope to benefit others in demonstrating that just because you have had an accident and you are in a wheelchair, your life isn’t over.”

Find out more about Road Safety Talks and read more about Lauren’s story here.

More from Local News