A WOMAN who lost her leg when she was hit by a motorcyclist is now on her way to joining a competitive racing team.

Model Lorraine Pooley, 49, was just 21 when a motorcyclist crashed into her in the Isle of Sheppey in 1991.

The Crowborough resident had travelled there to take part in a singing competition when the accident happened.

She said: “I stepped out of the club and had one foot on the pavement when I was hit, and that was that.”

Tragically, Lorraine’s fiancé was killed instantly, and she lost a leg. But now Lorraine, who wears a prosthetic leg, has an opportunity to launch a racing career.

Team BRIT supports drivers with physical and psychological challenges in accessing motorsport, and uses world-leading hand control technology to give disabled drivers the opportunity to race.

Lorraine visited the Silverstone racing track in Northamptonshire with three other disabled women, and said she is excited at the prospect of taking up a sport.

She said: “Ever since my accident I’ve not really been able to take part in sport, and I used to be quite sporty. It’s the only time you don’t feel disabled: when you’re swimming or when you’re driving, because then you’re just like everybody else.”

Lorraine said the experience was exhilarating.

“The technology is amazing– you’ve got everything you need.

“The first car I went in was the Volkswagen Polo, and we went up to 100 miles an hour.

“I thought I was going to be scared, but it was amazing.”

Lorraine is keen to raise awareness of the academy, to help others like herself.

“We are really hoping more people will give it a try, who might have thought it was all over.

“There must be lots of people out there who have suffered injuries or lost limbs who want to get off the sofa.

“Even if kids want to see what it’s like, they have a simulator which is what they get you driving on first– safety is their main concern.”

If she gets sponsorship, Lorraine could be one of the first women to join the team, and she hopes to return for further track sessions.

Team BRIT CEO and founder Dave Player said: “Women are hugely under-represented in motorsport, and disabled women even more so.

“We’re working to level the playing field for disabled drivers. It was fantastic to spend the day with Lorraine, who has already overcome incredible challenges, and is passionate to achieve even more.

“We hope to help each of the ladies find the support they need so we can welcome them back into the driving seat very soon.”