You'll most likely recognise Laura Crane from season four of Love Island. Making her entrance mid-way through the show, she hit it off with Dr Alex before coupling up with Jack Fowler. Prior to finding fame on reality TV, Laura was a professional surfer. Relocating to Devon at just 8 years old, Laura grew up close to the beach, in an area that boasted surfing as its local sport. ‘I started surfing when I was just 9 years old and by the age of 14, I became British Champion.’ Not too shabby right? At 16 years old, Laura was travelling for up to 9 months a year competing and representing Britain. ‘It was awesome – it had always been my dream.’ Now, after retiring, Laura continues to lead a busy life and dedicates a lot of time to raising awareness around mental health. Most recently Laura has started to work with charity War Child UK on their Peace Band challenge. Here Laura talks to Grazia's Joely Walker about life in lockdown, coping strategies and how we can all support the campaign.
On War Child UK’s Peace Band Challenge
Peace Band is a step challenge that launched earlier this year to raise money for War Child UK, a charity that helps children in areas of conflict. The challenge involves making your steps count. First pick your distance, next choose your method (are you walking? Running? Cycling?). Create a fundraising page to share with friends who will sponsor you. ‘The charity supports children in Afghanistan,’ says Laura, ‘be it with clothing, food, or education.’ So far, they have raised over £100,000, smashing the target.
‘The campaign ends in 9 days, so if you want to get involved do so now,’ adds Laura. ‘The government are also doubling any donations, so if you want to get involved without doing the steps you can simply donate here.’
On Surfing
‘After competing professionally for 9 years, I decided that I needed to slow my life down and focus more on me. As any competitive athlete can tell you, it can be very draining but equally it was amazing and I loved it so, so much.’
Laura still surfs back at her family home in Devon for pure fun. ‘I went through a few months after I retired of hating the sport and I was scared I was losing my passion,’ says Laura. ‘But now I can go and do it when I want rather than my coach telling me I have to – I love it and I’m so excited to get back on my board.’
On Sport And Mental Health
‘I’ve loved sport since I was super young. I wasn’t very academic, I really struggled at school and had pretty bad dyslexia. Sport was my outlet; it was how I felt seen. Subconsciously it’s always been a big coping tool for me but in the past five years I’ve really realised how important it is.’
‘I’ve had some struggles with my mental health, an eating disorder which I battled with for years and fitness became my superpower – it’s the only thing that really picks me up and makes my day better.’
Her advice for those wanting to up their fitness game? Laura recommends starting slow. ‘Go for tiny HIIT training sessions rather than scaring yourself with some of these crazy workouts online. It doesn’t have to be a marathon. Also give yourself time and try not to compare yourself to others.’
On Lockdown 3.0 And Coping Strategies
‘The start of this lockdown was definitely the hardest but once you get into the lockdown flow it becomes a lot easier and I do love the simplicity of lockdown,’ says Laura. Developing several new coping strategies, Laura has turned to daily walks – something that was motivated by Peace Band. ‘My friend and I wake up early and go for a walk together every day, it’s motivating to know you have to be there for the other person, too. Even if you can’t be face-to-face with someone, just waking up and face-timing your friend on a walk is a good way to check in on each other.’
‘Even if it’s raining or freezing cold and I’ve got snow on my eyelashes, I’ll still feel so much better for getting outside. I’ve never returned from a walk and thought “oh I wish I hadn’t done that.”’
As well as walking, Laura also recommends journaling. ‘In the last year, I’ve started speaking to a therapist and she’s really egged me on to journal. At first, I was a bit apprehensive, but it has given me time every day to go back and look at all the things I did well or the things I struggled with, that I’d like to work on for the following week. It’s such a big part of my life now that I miss it when I don’t journal.’
On At-Home Workouts
‘A few of my friends are yoga instructors that do some really nice workouts with slow stretches. I also love Steph Fit’s new app – there are loads of amazing workouts on there for all levels.’ Laura also films her own HIIT workouts that she shares on IGTV, including a surf specific routine which she admits burns. ‘It’s crazy how much you can do with just body weight.’ She’s also been going for long bike rides and occasionally skipping as she says variation is key to keep things interesting.
On Self-Motivation
‘I’m a bit of a self-talker and I like to chat to myself. So for instance, I’ll say “I’m doing this today because I didn’t get round to it yesterday” to try and egg myself on. Alarm setting is a big one too – I’ll set my alarm early to wake up and I won’t snooze.’ Another unusual tip Laura swears by is cold showers – ‘they are amazing, as soon as you’ve had a cold shower you feel ready for the day. For someone who has experience mental health struggles knowing that those moments of feeling uncomfortable will pass and that you can breathe through it is reassuring.’
Watch: The Full Interview With Laura Crane Here
War Child UK’s Peace Band Challenge fundraiser wrapped on 11 Feb after its six-week run and, with the help of celebrity supporters and the general public, has exceeded its original target of £56,000 by raising over a staggering £100k for their essential work supporting children living in conflict zones.
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