Injured police officer takes to the race track

Nicki Donnelly, age 36, from Birmingham was driving on duty for West Midlands Police, training as part of the specialised firearms department, when she was hit by a speeding car.

She sustained a host of serious injuries including spinal damage, and was subsequently paralysed from the chest down.

Nicki spent the day at Silverstone with Team BRIT, a competitive racing team of disabled drivers, testing out its world-leading hand control technology as part of one of the team’s academy days.

Team BRIT aims to be the first all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour – it supports drivers with a range of physical and psychological challenges in accessing motorsport.

The team is yet to include a female driver and Nicki joined three other disabled women at Silverstone this week, who were all invited to come along and try out life on the track.

Alongside the disability caused by her accident, Nicki was also born with a genetic condition which affects the connective tissue that holds everything in place, causing her bones to rub on each other.

It gives her a mortality age of 48 years and leaves her in excruciating pain in her hands, shoulders, elbows and neck. Her injuries following her accident have also caused significant challenges including brain damage, digestive problems and seizures.

From bravery honoured police officer and Pride of Britain-awarded, Nicki became a self-made businesswoman as a motivational speaker, life coach psychologist, disability rights inclusion consultant, model, social media lifestyle influencer and ambassador to charities close to her heart.

While at the track, she spent time on the team’s simulator, fitted with the hand controls to help her get used to the technology before hitting the track. She was then taken out for a passenger rides in the team’s Volkswagen Polo before taking to the wheel herself.

Nicki said: “Driving with Team BRIT was more than just racing to me. It was about having the mental power to overcome my PTSD and memories of my car crash, taking control by driving past the speed at which I was hit. I wanted to prove to myself that the person who did this to me hasn’t ruined my life.

“It was an emotional day because I am coming up to my 10-year anniversary of leaving the police service, and I am proud to show everyone that I am still achieving my passions. I’m showing my daughter that her mother, a British Indian, disabled woman can handle a racing car safely – enjoying and appreciating quality times that people may take for granted.

“I hope that sharing my experience can help open the door to other women who may want to take part. After all, if I can do it, with my healthcare and life-threatening needs, whilst juggling childcare and my business, I know that other women can take part too. My confidence is my superpower – I believe in being the best version of yourself, pushing boundaries to evolve.”