At university Raynsford studied biochemistry but a head injury at the age of 21 left her needing the use of a wheelchair.

Before taking up rowing Helene was a member of the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team from 2003 until 2006 and won two Paralympic Cup silver medals in the sport.

In May 2006 she posted a qualifying time that earned her entry to the World Championships but her preparations were disrupted by a car accident that left her ribs and stomach badly bruised.

Raynsford became the first ever Paralympic champion in the sport, winning the women's single sculls by a 12-second margin in a time of 6 minutes 12.93 seconds.

[5] Raynsford was appointed to UK Anti-Doping's newly formed Athlete's Committee along with Paralympic swimmer Graham Edmunds, football player Clarke Carlisle and former England rugby union captain, Martin Corry.