Inspiring Stories Shared at Prep

Our lucky Prep and Pre-Prep pupils were treated to a visit from former Truro School pupil Fran Brown (CO03). Fran, who attended Truro School from 1996 to 2003, is a nine-time para climbing world champion, GB para triathlete world champion, and medal-winning cyclist. She won her first Paralympic Games medal, a silver in the combined road time trial for C1, 2, and 3 athletes, in 2024.

Following an accident at work when she was 22, Fran was left with a C4 incomplete spinal cord injury, which affects the strength and control of movement in all four limbs. Although she was initially confined to a wheelchair, unsure whether she would be able to walk again, Fran was determined not to let her injury define her and, through sport and hard work, gradually gained strength and success in three sporting arenas.

She told an enraptured assembly hall, “From being able-bodied to being in a wheelchair, I learnt to look at what I could do rather than what I couldn’t do. And did what I should do, rather than listen to what I shouldn’t do.” Summarising her experiences, she urged our Prep pupils to be brave and face challenges and push themselves to try everything. “If I’d said no to opportunities that were put to me, I never would have been where I am now.”

Fran then headed to the Pre-Prep to share some of her medals, including her silver from the Paris 2024 Olympics, with our lucky children.

We would like to thank Fran for sharing her story with our pupils, it was certainly an inspiring moment for everyone present.