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Britain's first astronaut to visit Guernsey

Dr Helen Sharman will speak to Guernsey teenagers about her journey into space.

In 1989, after hearing an advert on the radio, Helen Sharman applied to become Britain's first astronaut, with little hope that it would actually happen.

Of the 13,000 applicants, two people were chosen for the rigorous training, but only one - Helen - went into Space.

In May 1991, aged 27, she spent 8 days orbiting Earth.

On board the Space Station, Helen undertook medical, agricultural and chemical experiments, materials testing, Earth observation and operating an amateur radio link with British school students.

Since touching back down on Earth, Helen has worked in research and development, received an OBE, and been made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to Science and Technology Educational Outreach.

Helen has spoken to audiences about her experience, the importance of teamwork and the wonders of science.

On 9 March, Helen will be in Guernsey.

Women's advocacy group, Soroptimist International Guernsey, invited her to speak to students in years 10 to 13 from all the local High Schools, Colleges and the Sixth Form Centre.

The group's President, Sue Robillard, was inspired by Helen's story.

"She didn't have a pilot's licence, she hadn't been in the armed forces, some of the things that you'd expect astronauts to have done.

"She just heard an advert on the radio one day, driving home from work in her car, and just took the opportunity.

"My background is all in science, and I thought this year I'd quite like the theme to be related to science.

"I filled in the contact form on the website, thinking I'd never hear anything back, and half an hour later, her agent was on the phone to me.

"Even if they're (the students) not going to do sciences in the future, they can pick up Helen's enthusiasm and the things that she learned about working with other people, communication skills, and I think most of all, if you're given an opportunity to do something, just do it."

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