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THE SHAW TRUST POWER 100 LIST: LAURA TORRANCE
Many readers will know Laura Torrance from Spinal Injuries Scotland Peer Support visits at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit (QENSIU). She has been a positive presence in the unit since first joining Spinal Injuries Scotland in 2009, initially as a volunteer providing peer support to the recently injured.
In the nearly twenty years since the accident she has used her experience to help others, supporting people adjusting to life-changing spinal injuries and promoting road safety.
Laura has been voted onto The Shaw Trust Power 100 List, an annual publication of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. This list plays a vital role in providing much needed encouragement to the young and talented leaders of tomorrow, allowing them to see that aspiration and ambition can be fulfilled regardless of disability or impairment. This year over 700 nominations were received for the 100 places, and the finalists were compiled by an independent judging panel who are all active influencers of change within the disability sector. Other finalists on the list include journalist/comedian Alex Brooker and Paralympian Jonnie Peacock. Laura’s inclusion on this list is unlikely to be a surprise to those who have encountered Laura in the Spinal Unit or while she gives talks on road safety and telling her story. Laura sustained her spinal injury when she was involved in a car accident when she was 16. .
Since 2013 Laura has led the Peer Support Team at the QENSIU for Spinal Injuries Scotland. By doubling the number of volunteers she has ensured that Peer Support is available 5 days a week for those who need it, providing knowledge and a friendly ear to the newly injured. Laura visits the spinal injury clinics across Scotland with the clinical staff from the QENSIU reconnecting with those who have left the spinal unit and letting them know that Spinal injuries Scotland is still available to support them with anything they need. Her empathy and attention to detail have earned huge respect from patients and medical staff. Through her appearances talking at conferences, schools and in the media, Laura has become the face of Spinal Injuries Scotland. Campaigning for road safety and telling her story to teenagers who are starting driving to encourage road safety. Laura has insisted on living her life to the full, attending festivals and concerts, travelling and not letting her injury hold her back. It’s no surprise to those who know her that she made it to the Shaw Trust Power 100 List.
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