I’m living proof that fairytales really can come true
seen as a wee girl at the end of those films, I was in floods of tears.
“I thought ‘I’ve done it – I’ve finally made it’.
“We got married in a little town called Celebration and walked down the aisle to A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella.”
The woman who’d believed in Laura as a teenager was there at the wedding. Lorraine travelled 4168 miles to Florida so she could be with her on her special day.
And Laura’s happy ending got even happier when her daughter, Maia, was born three years ago.
But while her life is a million miles from the sadness and turmoil she experienced, she knows thousands of children across the country are still going through a hellish time. Laura returned to school, went on to college and worked in the care system for 10 years before leaving to join charity Who Cares? Scotland in the hope she can help change things.
The problem, as far as she is concerned, is that love does not play a part in policy, and staff are actively
of Laura was full As a teenager
and pain. anger, turmoil discouraged from showing it to the very children in society who need it most.
“I thought, this isn’t normal. We meet children who don’t have anybody – who is going to tell them that they are loved? These kids just need a hug from time to time.
“If we don’t include love as part of our policies, what are we offering these children? They need to hear that they are loved.”
A major step in her journey to revolutionising the system came last week when she was invited to give a TEDx talk to hundreds of people at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal. TEDx is an independent spin- off from the worldfamous TED talks, which have been given by the likes of Bill Gates and Steven Hawking.
Her speech left the audience in tears. She got a standing ovation and social media went wild. It was an incredible moment for the little girl who once lost herself in Disney cartoons.
“I want to be a part of a movement of change,” says Laura finally, reflecting on her amazing reception.
Speaking to this inspirational young woman it seems entirely likely this will be another dream that will come true.
For more information on Who Cares? Scotland go to www.whocaresscotland.org or call 0141 226 4441.