A PE teacher from Stevenage who had to have her leg amputated after a Storm Eunice accident has already set her sights on completing a charity run to thank the NHS staff who have helped her learn to walk again. 

Lauren Cooper was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after a wall collapsed on her during Storm Eunice in February and had to have her left leg amputated below the knee.

The 31-year-old then started physiotherapy at Lister Hospital in Stevenage to learn to walk again, using her new prosthetic leg.

Lauren said: "I'm an active person, a PE teacher, netball player and hiker so I was devastated. It has been really difficult.

"When I first met my physiotherapist, Matt, I burst into tears, but he very calmly pulled up a chair and started talking to me.

"I want to raise funds to thank the whole physiotherapy team. What they do is amazing. They have listened to me, laughed with me, fought my corner and given me the confidence to keep pushing on. 

"They haven't just helped me with the practical elements of learning to walk again, they have helped me mentally and genuinely care about how I am.

"When I saw the Rainbow Run advertised, I decided to give myself a challenge. I may not run it, I may walk it, but I have a great team of teacher friends that have signed up to do it with me so, one way or another, I will finish a 5k – just seven months after losing my leg."

Inspired by the care she has received, Lauren has now signed up with a group of friends to take on the Rainbow Run – a new fun run launched by East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity to raise funds to help hospitals at East and North Hertfordshire's NHS Trust go above and beyond for their patients. 

Eloise Huddleston, director of East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, said: "Lauren is a true inspiration. Taking on the challenge of the Rainbow Run just seven months after her accident is incredible. She is awe-inspiring and we will all be right behind her every step of the way. Good luck, Lauren!"

The charity's first Rainbow Run takes place on Sunday, October 2 at Ridlins End Athletics Stadium in Stevenage, promising to be 'Hertfordshire's most colourful run fun'.

If you have been inspired by Lauren's story and want to sign up to the Rainbow Run, go to: www.enhhcharity.org.uk/rainbow – and to sponsor Lauren visit:www.justgiving.com/lauren-cooper38.