An Armagh tree surgeon who races cars in her spare time says the job is "not as scary as you'd imagine". Letisha Conn, 20, from Newtownhamilton in County Armagh joined her father's tree surgery business in 2023 and has since become a full-time tree surgeon. And this is not the first time she has followed in her father Stephen's footsteps. She grew up watching him race rally cars, and in 2021 - at the age of 16 - she made history becoming thefirst girl to take an outright win on a Junior Rally in any UK Junior Rally Championship. Letisha's journey into the family business began when she started giving her dad a hand during the school holidays and throughout the summer break. She decided becoming a tree surgeon was the career for her after leaving college. "I was enjoying the work, so I decided to stick at it," she said. One of the main challenges she and other tree surgeons face is working from dizzying heights, but despite this she said the job is "a lot safer" than people imagine. The variety of work that comes with being a tree surgeon is something that attracted her to the role. "Everyday there is something new," she told BBC News NI. The level of damage caused byStorm Éowynwas a new experience for a newly-qualified tree surgeon as she saw "so much damage after the storm". Despite the challenges she said "it has been a really good learning curve". Rallying has also been in Letisha's blood. "I was seven when my dad got me my first go kart," she said. She started rallying competitively when she turned 13, and in 2024 she competed in the Ulster Rally alongside her father; the pair took to the course in their red BMW. Things did not go according to plan with the pair experiencing an overshoot that left Letisha with a nasty shoulder injury. "You are so in the zone you don't even notice how dangerous it actually is," she said. Her plan for 2025 is to "ease back into the seat" after the injuries, this will see Letisha "do as many rounds of the Northern Ireland championship as possible". The two worlds Letisha finds herself in would typically have been seen as male dominated, but that has not put her off. If anything, it has made her even more determined. "Everyone has been very friendly, I've never had any bother, it's been nothing but good attention". She said she is "proud" to be following in her father's footsteps with both tree surgery and rally driving. "He has been my biggest support, I don't think I'll ever be able to thank him enough," she added.
The tree surgeon who races cars in her spare time
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Armagh Tree Surgeon Balances Career with Rally Racing Passion"
Bbc News
8.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Letisha Conn, a 20-year-old tree surgeon from Newtownhamilton in County Armagh, has carved out a unique path that blends her family legacy with her passion for rally racing. Joining her father's tree surgery business in 2023, Letisha has taken on the role of a full-time tree surgeon, a career choice that emerged from her childhood experiences of helping her father during school holidays. Her journey into the world of competitive rally driving began when she was just seven, receiving her first go-kart from her father, Stephen Conn, who has been a rally car enthusiast for years. In 2021, Letisha made history by becoming the first girl to achieve an outright win in a Junior Rally within any UK Junior Rally Championship. She expressed that, despite the inherent risks associated with tree surgery, particularly when working at heights, she finds the profession to be much safer than commonly perceived. The variety of tasks she encounters daily has been a significant factor in her enjoyment of the job, and she noted that her experience with Storm Éowyn provided a challenging but valuable learning opportunity as she dealt with substantial damage caused by the severe weather conditions.
In addition to her work as a tree surgeon, Letisha continues to pursue her passion for rally driving, planning to participate in the Northern Ireland championship in 2025 as she recovers from a shoulder injury sustained during the Ulster Rally with her father. Letisha's determination to succeed in both fields is evident, especially as each is traditionally viewed as male-dominated. She has received positive support from her peers and expresses pride in following in her father's footsteps in both tree surgery and rally racing. Letisha's journey is marked by her resilience and commitment, and she acknowledges the significant role her father has played in her achievements, stating, "He has been my biggest support, I don't think I'll ever be able to thank him enough." Her story serves as an inspiration, showcasing how passion and family legacy can intertwine to create a fulfilling career and a remarkable life journey.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the unique combination of a young woman’s career as a tree surgeon and her passion for car racing, providing insights into her personal and professional life. Letisha Conn's story reflects themes of gender roles, family legacy, and the challenges faced by young professionals in physically demanding jobs.
Promotion of Gender Equality and Empowerment
By presenting Letisha's achievements in a traditionally male-dominated field like tree surgery and rally driving, the article aims to inspire young women and promote gender equality. Her success story encourages women to pursue careers in fields where they may be underrepresented, highlighting her historic win in the Junior Rally Championship as a significant milestone.
Perception of Tree Surgery and Safety
The narrative attempts to reshape public perception of tree surgery, which is often viewed as dangerous. Letisha’s assertion that the job is "a lot safer" than people think serves to demystify the profession. This portrayal is crucial in attracting new talent to the industry, especially women, by alleviating fears associated with working at heights.
Personal Resilience and Community Engagement
Letisha's challenges, such as the injuries sustained during racing, and her reflections on the impact of Storm Éowyn showcase her resilience and adaptability. This emphasizes the learning experiences that arise from adversities, resonating with audiences who value perseverance and hard work.
Connection to Broader Themes
While the article focuses on Letisha's individual journey, it also touches on broader themes of family, community, and the importance of finding joy in work. The portrayal of an active lifestyle through her dual passions may appeal to a demographic interested in outdoor activities and sports, fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals.
Media Representation and Its Impact
The publication of this story may serve to enhance the media outlet's image as a promoter of diverse narratives and local talent. By showcasing local figures, the outlet strengthens its connection to the community, potentially increasing readership and engagement.
Societal and Economic Implications
The story can have positive implications for the local economy by inspiring greater participation in tree surgery and rallying, leading to potential growth in these sectors. It may also contribute to a cultural shift towards valuing diverse career paths for women, which can influence educational choices and workforce demographics in the future.
Target Audience and Community Support
The article likely appeals to young people, particularly women, and those interested in motorsports and outdoor professions. It may resonate with families who see Letisha’s story as a representation of following one’s passion while contributing to family businesses.
In summary, the article appears to be authentic in its portrayal of Letisha Conn’s experiences and aspirations. The overall message encourages empowerment and resilience among young women, while simultaneously promoting the tree surgery profession. There is no overt manipulation detected in the narrative; instead, it serves to inspire and inform.