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Refreshing Waters - courage and charity after a crisis
Courage And Charity After Crisis
Norfolk journalist, Sandie Shirley, spotlights the inspiring stories of men and women from the region and beyond that have seen them reach for victory. For more stories visit Facebook: Refreshing Waters Christian Media.
Overnight, a young nursery nurse was hailed a heroine after sustaining horrific injuries from a machete-wielding attacker. Lisa Potts, just 21, was shielding her pupils during a teddy bears’ picnic on a summer’s day in July 25 years ago; it changed her life forever. After three operations and physiotherapy and years of healing from the emotional scars, Lisa took a counselling course and launched a children’s charity in the deprived West Midlands suburb of Wolverhampton, where the attack took place. Lisa has shared her story at Norfolk venues, including Hope Community Church Wymondham, telling how she has rubbed shoulders with celebrities, visited a Romanian orphanage and become an author and speaker. She has won a host of awards, including the George Medal for bravery and an honorary fellowship from the University of Wolverhampton, for her work with children and families. Her involvement with campaigns and events includes overseas education and posttraumatic stress disorders and she shares her inspiring story at conferences for women, teachers, police and counselling organisations, as well as church events. “Things happen in people’s lives and you can move on with the encouragement of an inspiring story. It took years of grit and resolve to overcome emotional trauma, a fractured skull and lacerations which nearly severed my arm. I also needed to relearn how to tie my shoelaces and fasten buttons. “After gruelling surgery, I faced my six-foot-two assailant in court. It was frightening; I was one of the first to give evidence for an hour during cross-examination, but I had a sense of peace as I looked at him. I had forgiven him, otherwise I would be unable to tell my story.” During those harrowing times, Lisa found courage and forgiveness from her strong faith. “There were many sleepless nights, but God was my comfort and guide, even though I felt I was on a rollercoaster for five years of my life while I was followed by the press.” Lisa launched Believe to Achieve (B2A) in 2001, to bring hope, purpose and potential to youngsters aged seven to 11. The charity, where she is now a trustee and co-chairman, works with five to 25-year-olds to enhance personal development, education experience and future aspirations. It includes provision for holiday, lunchtime and after-school activities and internet/social media awareness workshops, as well as offering counselling services and parental and peer support. And there is yet another dimension to Lisa’s life: “In 2010 I went back to university to train as an adult nurse and I have since worked as a health visitor which includes post-natal assessments with young children and checking on the mental health of new mothers. I still love working with children and I really love making a difference.”
Lisa with her honorary award from the University of Wolverhampton. (pic credit: University of Wolverhampton)
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