Education
At university Raynsford studied biochemistry but a head injury at the age of 21 left her needing the use of a wheelchair. Helene completed a degree at Royal Holloway and is now undertaking a masters in neuroscience.
At university Raynsford studied biochemistry but a head injury at the age of 21 left her needing the use of a wheelchair. Helene completed a degree at Royal Holloway and is now undertaking a masters in neuroscience.
She trained at the Royal Ballet School before an injury ended her chances of becoming a professional dancer. She has returned to Royal Holloway as a guest speaker. Raynsford took up rowing after visiting Dorney Lake in 2005 and competed in the national championships that year.
In May 2006 she posted a qualifying time that earnt her entry to the World Championships but her preparations were disrupted by a car accident that left her ribs and stomach badly bruised.
At the 2007 World Championships she suffered an asthma attack on the first day of the competition and finished fifth in the final. This qualified her for the 2008 Paralympics.
At the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, rowing made its debut appearance at the Games. In April 2010 Raynsford announced her retirement from rowing due to a cardiac problem.
Following a change in her drug regime and surgery she returned to the sport and after winning the British trials was named to the British team for the 2010 World Championships in New Zealand.
Raynsford was appointed to United Kingdom Anti-Doping"s newly formed Athlete"s Committee along with Paralympic swimmer Graham Edmunds, football player Clarke Carlisle and former England rugby union captain, Martin Corry.