Vanessa, married to a RAF Engineer, was invited to RAF Cranwell and to the ASTC to sign the Wall of Honour and speak with the students about her experiences recovering from a life changing set of injuries, sustained during a RTC with a van.
Vanessa was out training on her push bike when a van ran a red light and crashed into her, causing multiple serious injuries.
She shared her physical and mental challenges with candour to an audience which included several motorbike riders; they were stunned at her achievements; she made her decision to purchase her first dirt bike just 6 years ago and since then, in between reconstructive surgeries, she has competed in a plethora of tough events including the Red Bull Maniac enduro race and a 1500 km 7 day desert endurance race. Not only has she shown exceptional resilience in her recovery from surgeries following such a life changing event, she has developed effective strategies to manage a range of mental health diagnoses’ to come back fitter, stronger and continuing to break new ground whilst managing significant levels of chronic pain.
She spoke of the importance of resilience, of accepting that things change but also of remaining mindful of what you can achieve rather than focussing on what you think you can’t. Vanessa embodies the ethos of our motto Animus invictus (unbroken spirit), her dedication and commitment, not only to her personal recovery both physical and mental, has been exceptional, but it is her determination to act as an ambassador for females in a largely male dominated world of motorcycle adventure/endurance racing that is truly impressive.
Vanessa, an extraordinary woman, held the audience of potential pilots and aircrew in the palm of her hand, fully engaged as she recounted the ordeals of her recovery, the numerous surgeries and her decision to become an adventure rider/racer on a motorcycle.
The ASTC were privileged to host Vanessa here and look forward to watching her continue to accomplish the apparently impossible and develop as female pioneer and ambassador in her sport; she is a brave and courageous woman and an inspiration to our staff and students alike.
You can read more about vanessa's story here:
