Charlotte has not let being partially sighted stop her achieving in life nor let the bullies get the better of her. Born partially sighted Charlotte achieved excellent grades at mainstream school. Although, Charlotte experienced severe bullying during primary school she went on to develop friendships at secondary school and sixth form that have lasted a lifetime. Despite reservations of many staff members, Charlotte persistently tried various sports including circus performing and self-defence. There is something inside Charlotte that refused to believe that she couldn’t be as good as others and although there were negative views Charlotte chose to focus on those who encouraged her.
Going to the University of York changed Charlotte’s life, not only did she achieve a degree and participate in a diverse range of voluntary activities, but she set about doing many of the sports she had previously been discouraged from trying. As a child Charlotte had been taught not to ‘spoil other children’s fun,’ it was her friends at the trampolining club who taught Charlotte that they would rather that she joined in with games than worry about how well she played the game. University was also where Charlotte took up distance running.
Charlotte started full time work after university and sport was just a hobby. However, in 2008 Charlotte had the opportunity as part of Project Viper to complete the London triathlon for charity. Following this Charlotte was asked to join the disability triathlon squad. This led to a highly successful paratriathlon career, where Charlotte won two World and three European Championships as well as other medals. Charlotte juggled the training, full time work and all the organisation needed for competitions and training. At the end of 2013 Charlotte took the difficult decision to retire from paratriathlon and focus on running, particularly on the marathon, which after a serious injury is an ongoing project.
Charlotte continues to balance her training with her working life. Charlotte has worked in the voluntary sector, for local authorities and in further education providing advice and guidance, mentoring, creating job opportunities and enabling people to achieve their potential.
Charlotte is keen to inspire young people to be the best they can be; to reduce the barriers that people with disabilities face in education, employment and sport; to develop young people’s self-confidence and reduce discrimination or bullying. Charlotte passionately believes that everyone has potential and believes one of the most important things in life is to be kind.
Charlotte has recently finished 7th representing Great Britain at the World Para Athletics Championships.
North Yorkshire
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