A BRAVE Suffolk teenager whose promising motocross career was ruined by a horrific accident has today announced she is making a return to her school books.

A BRAVE Suffolk teenager whose promising motocross career was ruined by a horrific accident has today announced she is making a return to her school books.

Laurie Squirrell's dream to become a top rider was ruined when she was paralysed in a shock accident while practising for a race in America.

It has been 14 months since the accident, and the 17-year-old is now rebuilding her life, planning to study A-levels, go to university and train to be a lawyer.

Laurie, of Hitcham, has an interview at Ipswich's Suffolk College this month after applying to study A-levels in law, history, human biology and English literature and language from September.

She said: “I've got to the stage where I don't know if I want to be that involved in motocross anymore. It's hard going along to watch and not being able to get on a bike.

“When I was little I always wanted to be a lawyer but when I got into motocross and thought that would be my career I forgot about it.

“Now it seems like the right time to start studying again.”

Laurie finished her GCSEs five months before her accident in America. She was practising in San Antonio, Texas, for her first professional race when she had a high-speed crash and broke her back, paralysing her from the chest down.

After months of intensive physiotherapy, Laurie flew to Australia for Christmas and New Year to celebrate the festive season in Perth and Sydney. Her older sister Sam is travelling and Laurie and her younger sister Kizzie went to meet her.

Kizzie, 16, is also hoping to study at Suffolk College later this year.

Laurie said: “I'm not sure about going back in my sister's year as she's two years younger. It's a bit embarrassing but I'll be fine.

“Until September I want to concentrate on my physio and my part-time job, at motocross clothing company So Cal, as I want to carry on working when I'm studying.

“University will be the next step but I haven't thought much about it yet, just that I want to do a law degree.”

n. Has Laurie's brave struggle inspired you? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk