Aged just 21 years, Lisa was injured in July 1996 while protecting children from a man suffering from severe paranoid schizophrenia and wielding a machete. The injuries that she suffered protecting the children in her care were extensive - her arm was almost severed in the attack, also suffered severe cuts to her head, back, and both arms. Four children were also injured.
Lisa’s bravery was publicly recognised in 1997 when Queen Elizabeth II presented Lisa with The George Medal for saving the children's lives whilst putting her own safety and life at risk. The man that attacked her, Horrett Campbell, was sent to a secure mental hospital indefinitely, and remains there more than a decade after his crimes.
The consequences for Lisa were severe scarring, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, this was not to stop Lisa who subsequently worked as a counsellor and in 2001 started her own charity - Believe To Achieve, based in schools in Wolverhampton. The charity aims to encourage independence and enhance self-esteem in children.
Lisa has also published her story as an autobiography entitled Behind the Smile in 1998, written a children’s prayer book called 'Thank you God' and a book called 'Heroes for a day' which is a collection of stories about people who have had amazing stories.
An Inspirational and motivational speaker, Lisa presents her story by taking you through what happened to her in 1996. However, of greater significance and value over and above the horror of the event, her talk will make clear just what it is that motivates and inspires her and how this makes it possible for her to overcome the ordeal.
Lisa will be the guest speaker at this month’s business dinner and seminar of the Hinckley Business Association to be held at Sketchley Grange Hotel, Burbage, Hinckley, Leicestershire on the evening of Tuesday 19th January 2010. Because of the wider public interest in the Hinckley area to hear Lisa Potts speak, the Association has decided to offer a limited number of places at the dinner on this occasion to non-members who may wish to attend. The cost will be just £30 per head and this includes a 2-course sit down meal plus tea/coffee and mints in Sketchley Grange Hotel’s Willow restaurant.
For more information and/or to book your place contact me at the bestofhinckley on 01455 246 342 or email Hinckley@thebestof.co.uk , only a limited number of places can be made available and so it must be strictly on a first-come-first served basis.
