Laura Wright’s brush with septic arthritis cemented her determination to keep fit and live life to the full
One of the biggest selling classical artists of the last decade, Laura Wright’s rendition of the National Anthem – and her wide repertoire of other songs – inspires Royalty and sporting fans alike.
Equally impressive, however, is that despite her busy schedule, Laura finds time to support charities such as The Soldier’s Arts Academy and Versus Arthritis (formerly Arthritis Research UK). “The charities I support resonate deeply with me,” Laura says. “The Soldier’s Arts Academy is a platform through which serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families can participate in the performing arts. I teach music to veterans and servicemen and women. It’s a huge help, particularly for those suffering with mental health problems. “I’m also involved with Versus Arthritis, the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis; I know what living with the silent illness of arthritis feels like, so the charity is a good fit for me.”
Laura’s journey with arthritis
Laura was nine years old, when a regular jog with her father appeared to trigger what looked at first like a minor knee injury. “My knee became more and more painful and within a couple of days my parents felt they had to take me to hospital,” she remembers. “Despite tests and examinations, the doctors couldn’t find anything wrong, and we were told it would most likely get better.” But her knee didn’t get better and within a few days, Laura was admitted to hospital. In excruciating pain and unable to walk it still took weeks of further tests before it was established that Laura had septic arthritis. The hospital stay that her family hoped would be short, dragged into months. “My body just wasn’t responding to the medication,” explains Laura. “I had two operations to draw fluid off the knee and my leg was put in a cast to give it time for the infection to clear and the joint to heal.” Finally, however, the medication began to work. “Looking back, I’m relieved I was so young when I had septic arthritis. I think it would have been a much tougher time if I were a teenager for example.” Three months later, the infection on the mend, Laura was allowed to return home. Her wheelchair was soon replaced by crutches, and, after a long stint of rehabilitation, Laura was back to full health. The entire experience lasted for an entire year. “During the months that I was in hospital, my mother was allowed to stay with me but she had three other children to take care of too,” Laura says. “Now I’m a parent, I see that my experience with septic arthritis was probably harder for my parents than it was for me.”
Exercise
Laura has always loved exercise and believes that was integral to her recovery. As soon as she was able, she threw herself back into sport and went on to represent her county in hockey, netball and tennis. As an adult, Laura swims, plays hockey and runs. However, the memory of her time in hospital lingers with pain in her knee. “If I fully squat on that knee, it hurts and feels uncomfortable,” she explains. “I run marathons and my knee definitely suffers. But I’m determined not to let it hold me back. Instead, I’m mindful of my barriers and work around them. “My husband, Harry Rowland, was a professional rugby player and he has arthritis in his knee too. We’re both aware of the future implications, make sure we exercise in the right way, and eat as healthily as we can. I take supplements too as I have a new baby.”
Parenthood
An addition to the family is hard for any parent, as time suddenly becomes a precious commodity. “Having had a baby three months ago, I know that I have to rebuild my fitness carefully and it’s difficult at the moment as I haven’t taken any maternity leave so I’m still singing at events. However, being a mum has made me put my work offers in perspective. I make sure I’m partnering with the right charities and organisations, accepting the events I really believe in. “Finding time for myself amongst the mayhem of young children and a busy work schedule is difficult but achievable. I prioritise the things that matter to me most, and I know that fitness has a huge benefit on my mental health,” Laura says. “Exercise makes me a better parent and is important for my self-esteem. It’s good for my soul and great for my joints.”
More on Laura
Laura is a Soprano and Classical-Crossover singer, widely recognised for being the National Anthem vocalist at some of the biggest sporting events, from rugby matches at Twickenham to horse racing at The Grand National. Laura has had a number one album in the classical charts and has made numerous special performances for the Royal Family including at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Feature first published September 2022 PS Did you know that Arthritis Digest Magazine is labelled the best UK Arthritis blog from thousands of blogs on the web ranked by traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness? *Image Credit: Beckie Egan Photography
