Internationally renowned motorsports racer joins Oxfordshire school to share inspirational story and donate laptops

Vanessa Ruck, the motorcycle adventurer, influencer, and racer known as "The Girl on a Bike," joins William Fletcher Primary school determined to help inspire the future generations. As a high-profile female figure in the UK motorsports world, Ruck's determination shines brighter than ever. After a devastating car accident and years of recovery, a reconstructed hip and shoulder, and countless months of painful physiotherapy, she discovered a new love for motorcycles. Escalating quickly with her heart of determination, in January she conquered the brutal Africa Eco Race on a motorcycle, becoming the first British female to finish the notoriously challenging rally. The event followed the original Dakar route covering 6,000 kilometers in 13 days on a motorcycle in treacherous African terrain. An event so tough only 54% of motorcycle starts successfully finished, yet Vanessa managed it with her chronic pain following the accident.

As a rider she’s pushing the boundaries in a huge array of motorsport disciplines and shares her adventures across her social media channels. At an age where school children are more captivated than ever by social media, her social presence immediately commands attention from students.?But Vanessa is not just about tearing it up on two wheels. From the darkest moments in her mental and physical recovery, Vanessa’s story focuses on some hard-hitting points that even the teachers can benefit from.

Vanessa is on a mission to show that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough, even as a slightly reconstructed person following the accident.?Instead of adding to the sometimes-toxic media landscape filled with ‘all so perfect’ lives, she’s real and honest, sharing the highs and the lows. Showing the strength needed to come out stronger against life’s curve-balls. ?She believes it’s about realising that wanting to quit is normal, that anxiety and stress can be overcome and that with the right mindset and strategies anything is possible. Born from real life experiences, she brings highly relatable lessons and tools to help face the battles and challenges of life.

Having spoken to over 20,000 school students through her free schools programme running under the hashtag ‘BecauseICan’ she teamed up with local Oxfordshire business FCLG to also donate their used business laptops for the use in education at the school.

“Today’s youth face some of the most challenging times, especially post covid and for me the day I read the newspaper headline “Covid generations lives are ruined” I knew I had to do something about it! Belief is everything and I hope my energy can give the minds of our future a little more energy and drive for life” says Ruck.

In a world of doom and gloom it’s refreshing to see some positive energy being spread by both Vanessa and local business, FCLG. Vanessa will visit any UK school and share these workshops so please share with anyone connected to schools and let’s help spread the word. The door is also open for sponsorship of her school’s programme as she currently funds it herself through corporate speaking opportunities.

“I might not be changing the world, but I hope one session at a time, I can help inspire some of our future generations to set their sights on the stars! Anything is possible!” says Vanessa

Vanessa drove her Bowler Defender 90 into the primary schools playground, allowing the enthusiastic year 5 and 6 students to get up close and personal. She explained to the students the modifications made to make it Africa ready as her support car for her recent event racing to Dakar. “The squeals and excitement from the kids fills me with so much happiness and motivates me to keep going” says Vanessa, “My accident is the worst thing that has ever happened to me, but somehow it’s also quite possibly the best thing to happen to me for what it’s taught me and the new path in life it threw me into. I hope my story can bring energy to others.”

“Vanessa’s visit was inspiring and I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the time and energy that you gave to the students. The assembly was brilliantly motivating and linked to our own school values.? Sharing your inspirational story and journey had a huge impact on the children,? and made it very relatable to how students can use mindset to achieve goals. Vanessa’s obvious enthusiasm for life and powerful messages connected with students and helped them to think about their own life goals and barriers to success. Vanessa – you are one super cool lady!!” Claire Martin , Head Teacher of William Fletcher Primary School .

“Vanessa’s story is so inspirational. Not only relatable to the students at William Fletcher School, but to all our employees at FCLG who attended Vanessa’s talk. Tackling some poignant topics with energy and honesty, giving real life, thought provoking advice with a light hearted spin. Partnering with Vanessa on our laptop for schools programme allows FCLG to recycle older laptops and give a bit back to future generations” Craig Moss , Managing Director – FCLG .

By the end, the students are challenged to come up with their own #BecauseICan goals.

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For further information, including booking a school visit for your school or corporate, please contact Vanessa on: [email protected]

https://thegirlonabike.com/about-me-the-girl-on-a-bike/becauseican-free-school-workshops/