Lisa Potts

Lisa Potts is a powerful inspirational speaker and George Medal holder, widely recognised for her extraordinary bravery in protecting children during a violent machete attack at the nursery school where she worked as a teacher.

In 1996, at just 21 years old, Lisa was critically injured while shielding the children in her care from an attacker suffering from severe paranoid schizophrenia. Her arm was almost severed and she sustained serious injuries to her head, back and both arms. Four children were also injured during the attack.

Despite her life-threatening injuries, Lisa’s selfless actions saved lives. In 1997, she was awarded the George Medal by Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of her exceptional courage and heroism. Her attacker was detained indefinitely in a secure mental health hospital, where he remains.

Following the attack, Lisa faced years of physical recovery alongside severe scarring, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. More than four years later, she received compensation, but the emotional journey proved far more complex.

Determined to rebuild her life and help others, Lisa retrained as a counsellor and, in 2001, founded the charity Believe To Achieve, based in Wolverhampton schools. The charity focuses on encouraging independence, resilience and self-esteem in children.

Lisa’s autobiography, Behind the Smile, was published in 1998 with a foreword by Cherie Blair. She was also awarded an Honorary Degree from the University of Wolverhampton for her services to children. In addition, Lisa has written several children’s books, including Thank You God and Heroes for a Day, celebrating courage and hope through real-life stories.

In 2010, Lisa trained as an Adult Nurse at Wolverhampton University and went on to become a Specialist Public Health Nurse, further strengthening her work in mental health and wellbeing.

Today, Lisa Potts is a highly respected speaker across the UK, sharing her story with honesty, compassion and strength. Her talks inspire audiences to overcome adversity, manage mental health challenges and navigate change with resilience and courage.

Speaking Topics

• Overcoming Adversity
• Mental Health & Trauma Recovery
• Dealing with Change
• Resilience and Courage
• Personal Growth After Crisis

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