Local charity Road Safety Talks was started seven years ago by Knaresborough woman Lauren Doherty to educate children and adults about being safe on the roads.
Lauren Doherty's Road Safety Talks celebrates 7th anniversaryA Knaresborough woman’s road safety charity is celebrating seven years of spreading its important messages to children and adults.
Lauren Doherty BEM BCAv created ‘Road Safety Talks’ in 2016 to share her story and to encourage children to think about road safety.
Lauren launched the charity after a serious incident in 2008 left her paralysed and needing two carers at all times.
She was struck by a van when crossing the road, but has since dedicated her time to visiting schools and other organisations.
Lauren was recognised for her work around road safety when she was awarded within the Queen’s 2021 Birthday Honours List and was recently invited to the King’s Coronation in London as a special guest.
Speaking about the seven-year anniversary, Rebecca Blunstone, Project Manager at Road Safety Talks, said:
"I’m a parent and we come with our colleagues at Fire & Rescue and the Police - we can share road safety messages and how important it is but when you put Lauren in the room, sharing her story first hand, I just think the impact is incredible.
"Seven years down the line, never underestimate how important that message is."
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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.
Via her website roadsafetytalks.co.uk, Lauren speaks of 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.
Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
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