Gymnast from Britain’s Got Talent Spelbound to swap the stage for career in medicine

Laura Burgon is leaving gymnastics to become a nurse. Pictured second from left. (Image: Archant)

Laura Burgon toured around the country with Britain's Got Talent 2010 winners Spelbound - starring in front of the monarch at their Royal Variety Performance.

But the 22-year-old is now getting ready to hang up her dancing shoes for a life helping others.

The former University of East Anglia student said: 'I love gymnastics, but I decided to pursue a career in nursing as I have always been interested in human biology and health - and I knew I would never suit an office job as I like to be active and on my feet.'

Miss Burgon, who was crowned British chapmion in acrobatic gymnastics in 2008, will begin her career at St Peters Hospital, in Surrey, in October.

She said that her experience in medicine has given a taste of 'amazing experiences', including 'working in intensive care, alongside paramedics, in the community, with specialist nurses and observing operations in theatre'.

'My advice for anybody thinking of starting a nursing course would be to get some work experience first because it's hard work and the hours can be long. But knowing that you're making a real difference to the lives of patients and their families is incredibly rewarding,' she added.

Although the British champion admitted she will be busy with her demanding workload, she still intends to keep active and will be a cheerleader with the Unity Allstars Ruby Cheerleading squad.

More than 700,000 people in the UK re-train as a nurse every year.

Professor Nicola Spalding, deputy head of the School of Health Sciences at UEA, said: 'Here at UEA we offer degree training which could lead to a career that will make a real difference to patient's lives – in nursing, midwifery, or other nursing sciences such as mental health nursing, or by becoming a paramedic.'

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