Laura Reineke
​"From the depths of the music world to the vast expanse of open water, Laura Reineke’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. A multi-talented individual with a diverse skill set, her talks offer a range of subjects that showcase her unique blend of talents and passions."
Biography
As a keynote speaker, activist, and charity executive, I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. My talks focus on the power of saying yes, bravery, overcoming adversity, controlling fear, inspiring others, and beating the ageing process. Through my engaging, and so I'm told, inspirational speeches, I encourage audiences to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and live life to the fullest.
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I am no stranger to life's struggles, bereavement, diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and learning that there is heroism in failure. Building up endless resilience, I can give my audience the power to say yes and take control.
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With my background as a professional violinist and founder of Henley Music School, I have dedicated much of my life to music education in and around Henley-on-Thames, along with other endeavours which include becoming an accidental activist, campaigning for clean waterways and a relatively new project, the renovation of a community hub for all to use. My love for music and desire to make a positive impact in the world have driven me to give back to my community in meaningful ways.
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One of these challenges was running the London Marathon in 2016, I hated every step, and realised that running wasn't for me. I was in so much pain after the run, that just continued to increase, debilitating agony, widespread nerve pain. I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (a medical syndrome that causes chronic widespread pain and crippling fatigue), I soon made the decision I wasn't going to let this define me, and with rehabilitation, lots of pilates, building my strength up, and some pig-headed determination, in 2017 I joined my local open water swimming club.
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Having grown up in Henley, I've always had a love for the river, weirdly, I love the smell (not so much these days!). So I jumped in, and that is where my love for ultra-distance swimming began. In the 7 years to now, I taught myself front crawl, and spent hours in the water.
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My two biggest achievements to date are my English Channel solo, which I completed in August 2023 & circumnavigation of Manhattan Island, June 2024. I am what might be described as addicted!
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I love to push boundaries, I am brave, and determined. I am now on track to complete Oceans 7, and if I'm lucky hope to become the first British female to hold this accolade!
I can talk to you about a range of subjects:
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Campaigning
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Becoming an accidental activist
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Intention setting
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Ultra-marathon swimming
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Bravery & fighting off demons
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Body confidence
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Finding a passion in middle age
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Making dreams happen
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Freshwater biodiversity and the threats our waterways face
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reinvention
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The power of saying "yes"
"I challenge myself and hope in doing that I can inspire others to do the same."
"Laura is a natural speaker, combining her trademark say-it-how-it-is style of honest and enthralling storytelling with a deep felt commitment to inspiring personal action and bringing about change, unafraid to hold powerful people to account and give voice to those that are often ignored."​
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James Wallace - CEO River Action UK
"It was so interesting to learn about endurance swimming, both the globe trotting aspect, but also the less glamorous bits! Not only are you our first speaker to rock up in a swimsuit, you are also a force of nature and an inspirational speaker."
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Women's Institute - Henley-on-Thames
Inspirational Talks
I hope to serve as an example of what is possible when you dare to dream big, work hard, and never give up. My personal story is one of resilience, courage, and determination.
Talks delivered with passion, knowledge and humour.
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After dinner speeches
Passionate speaker
From violinist to the vast expanse of open water, my journey has been a varied and interesting one. Studying at Trinity College of Music, my passion for performance continues into every aspect of my life.
Coaching
Push your boundries
Guidance on overcoming your fears and achieving your goals, I am the girl for the job! I'm sure to leave a lasting impression, or as someone described me once as "An impressive whirlwind!"
Swims Completed
2020 - 2024
English Channel 5 person Relay
Thames Marathon x 4 coming second 2/4
Henley Swim Unlimited - 7k
Henley Classic x5
Wild Wye - 10k
Winter Swimming World Champs - Bled, Solvenia
Welsh winter swim, Snowdonia (came 3rd in 250m)
Summer Swimming Champs - Bled, Slovenia 5k
Club 2 Pub x2
Henley Mile
Great Fjord Swim, Ireland
Robben Island S.A
North Channel 4 person relay
Bristol Channel 4 person relay
English Channel Solo 15:23 (56k)
Scilly Isles 1-day event 15k
20 Bridges Manhattan Island 48.5
On track to become 1st British Female
English Channel
Catalina Channel
Cook Strait
Tsugaru Strait
Strait of Gibraltar
Molokai Channel
North Channel
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If you'd like to become a sponsor, and help:
Inspire others.
Clean up the worlds waterways for future generations.
Witness a reversal in the decline of biodiversity in both freshwater and marine ecosystems.
