“... rediscover happiness”
“WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF GETTING ON A BIKE FOR THE FIRST TIME I WAS TAKING PART IN THE BRITISH NATIONALS”
Laura Turner, 32, from Warwickshire
I’M VISUALLY IMPAIRED and rely on my guide dog Hester to help me in so many ways.
Up until two years ago I rode a horse and competed in dressage events. After my horse passed away I became quite down. I did some charity work with the Guide Dogs Association and in July 2016 I was asked to do a photoshoot – with a tandem cyclist. We rode a velodrome circuit and I really enjoyed it.
I started investigating the Paralympic Talent ID programme. I sourced a coach who could help me develop my cycling skills and within six months of getting on a bike for the first time since childhood I was taking part in the British Nationals with my pilot Emily Capewell, a student at Loughborough University. We rode against experienced riders on their path to a shot at the Paralympics and I achieved personal best times in the flying 200m time trial, the 1km time trial and 3km pursuit. I don’t know if the dressage skills have helped me become a decent cyclist but it has literally put my life back on track. When I’m not cycling I’m training on spin bikes at the gym. I’m so happy and so is Hester!