Paralympic silver medalist inspires Dagenham pupils
A Paralympic swimmer amputated at the knee inspired pupils after telling them how she overcame her disability to win silver at the London Games.
Charlotte Henshaw, 25, was born with bilateral tibial hypoplasia, meaning her legs were under-developed and had to be operated on when she was 18 months.
She won silver in the 100m breaststroke in London last month and another silver at the World Championships last year in the same event with a time of 1 minute 39 seconds on each occasion.
Charlotte, of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, met pupils at the library of All Saints secondary in Terling Road, Dagenham, on Wednesday.
Librarian Tracy Roome, 45, said: “She told the children not to get anything let them down and find a way round things.
You may also want to watch:
“They were totally inspired by her. It was a real privilege to have her.
“Being an Olympic year, she lifted the whole school. It was a fantastic experience for everyone.”
Most Read
- 1 RSPCA appeal over video of dog 'carried' by collar in Dagenham
- 2 Barking fishmongers shut down by council after Covid-19 safety warning
- 3 Images released of man in connection with robbery on train from Barking
- 4 'Terrifying' CCTV footage shows vandals take axes to cars of NHS workers
- 5 Council denies Barking mum's claim that it took hours to respond to flood
- 6 Appeal for help to find boy missing from Dagenham
- 7 Fines for Havering landlords who put Dagenham tenants 'in danger'
- 8 Call to change 'cash cow' yellow box junction in Marks Gate
- 9 Jailed: Dagenham man for role in 'brutal' attack on off-duty police officer
- 10 Dagenham charity set up in memory of 'unique' man offers help to youngsters
All Saints history teacher Kelly Mordue, who is a close friend of Charlotte’s, organised the visit.