Wirral lady who set up first women’s roller derby, despite suffering from mental illness and had never skated before, has been nominated for a Your Champions award

Sep 28 2011 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A WOMAN who set up Wirral’s first women’s roller derby team has been nominated for a Your Champions award.

Dozens of nominatations have come in for Lily Spry, aka Lily D'Shrink Spry, for the title of sporting champion of the year.

The 42-year-old from Wallasey set up Wirral Whipiteres in February despite suffering with bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Since then the team has gone from strength to strength – attracting 50 members.

Her best friend Jan Ramsey, a member of Wirral Whipiteres, said: “Although Lily has struggled with bipolar affective disorder and ADHD most of her adult life, she has not let it hold her back from challenging and pushing herself.

“It has been a long hard battle for the past six months, especially finding somewhere for the team to train and getting sponsors. But Lily has just kept on going and has not let any setbacks get in the way of her dream.”

Whipiteres deputy manager Samantha Score also champions Lily for the award because she set it up from scratch without any funding.

Samantha added: “Lily started the roller derby team from scratch without any help. Within six months it has grown to 50 members and now we are to competition standard.

“She is there for each and every member of the team, anytime we need her.

“Lily rallies us round to be community active, particularly for charities, and she is an advocate for gay rights, mental health awareness, empowerment of women, the power of positive thought and anti-discrimination.

“She has provided a team environment where we are all accepted for what’s in our hearts and willingness to participate.

“She is an inspiration to us, to Wirral and the wider world.”

Fellow team member Elle Jones said: “If anyone deserves to win it’s Lily. She doesn’t take any credit for what she does and she deserves some recognition.

“Wirral Whipiteres has had a massive effect to lots of people and the chance to forget their daily worries. Everyone on the team is great and we always have a laugh – all thanks to Lily.

“She gets us involved in lots of charity events to help raise money.

“To do this with a normal mind set sounds easy, but Lily suffers from ADHD as I do myself. I know how hard it can be to do simple little things never mind managing a team and more.”