Hi Lucy, tell us about you and your work…
Hi, well I’m Lucy and I’m a T4 paraplegic as a result of a motorbike accident in 2001. I’m also a Paralympic wheelchair tennis player, which pretty much consumes my life now, whether it be training, travel or competing across the international wheelchair tennis tour. When I have free time, I try to give back to my sport or share my story to help break down stereotypes linked to disability as well as hopefully inspire others to pick up a racket.
How did you hear about Symprove and how long have you been taking it?
I’ve followed the Symprove story online for a while now. As a paraplegic I am incredibly aware of the importance of managing my gut health and looking after my body and there were so many people saying such good things about this product. Following some health issues of my own I reached out to Symprove to discuss it with them, and they were so approachable, helpful and eager to help. I’ve been using the product now for around 8 weeks and I definitely feel I am starting to see improvements and reaping the rewards.
Image credit: LTA
What motivated you to get involved with Symprove?
As I mentioned I was having a number of health/gut issues which as a paraplegic comes with their own management issues. I have been trying a number of things over the past few years and whilst I was seeing some improvements there were still some issues and discomfort on a daily basis. Following Symprove online I was starting to see more and more people crediting Symprove with having such a positive impact on their gut including my mother in law. I just wanted to know more.
What does your morning routine look like?
Building Symprove into my daily routine has been a great addition. On a typical training day, I will wake up to the sound of my 5am alarm, urgh I know, but it takes me a little longer to get ready in the morning. I actually have a little stretching routine that I do before I get into my chair and then I head straight to the fridge for my shot of Symprove, using the 10 mins I make some MOMA foods gluten-free porridge up and for those that know me, two cups of tea! This is the start of my day!
How do you prep for big competitions?
We are very fortunate as a Paralympic sport that wheelchair tennis has an established international tour and is also integrated into all four major tennis gland slams. There are therefore major competitions every year and preparation is built into daily training habits. For me, I believe that training hard allows me to approach every big competition feeling as prepared as possible and win or lose I can leave with no regrets. Tennis is certainly a tough sport, there are so many ups and downs in a professional tennis career, and you have to work very hard on yourself to deal with this.
Every four years, wheelchair tennis is also in the Paralympics. This does have a slightly different feel and comes with its own pressures, there is no feeling like representing your country and I feel very proud to have won two Bronze and one Silver medal across four Paralympic Games.
Where did your interest in gut health start?
I really became more aware when I had my spinal cord injury. The body still works but just slightly differently. I came to understand that by maintaining a healthy bowel routine it really improves your quality of life. But I also think the more I talk about this the more I realise it is the same for everyone.
Top tips for looking after physical health?
My top tips for looking after your physical health would be to eat healthily, exercise regularly and sleep well. And by exercise it can just mean getting out, being active and enjoying fresh air.
And your mental health?
The biggest one for me and a big lesson I’ve learnt along my sporting journey is to be kind to yourself. It is also important to remember that you are not alone and that talking can really help. There is so much support out there and it really is good to keep talking.
Why should people care about Symprove?
There is so much evidence out there that a healthy body and healthy gut is essential and Symprove have really made a product to help support this and which can make a difference to each and every one of us.
Original, Mango and Passion Fruit or Strawberry & Raspberry flavour?
For the Wimbledon fortnight it is going to have to be Strawberry & Raspberry flavour. It is fantastic that we have flavours to choose between and that both taste nice. I have taken supplements previously and they have been really difficult to stomach.
Describe Symprove in 3 words…
Tasty. Healthy. Magic
Thanks Lucy and good luck!
To find out more about how Symprove could help you, check out our Symprove Explained. Or call our friendly Customer Care team on 01252 413600.
