Darren Edwards is a former mountaineer and Army Reservist who sustained a life-changing injury in the summer of 2016. The near-fatal climbing accident would leave Darren permanently paralysed from the chest down. With determination, grit and positivity, Darren has overcome adversity to become a Disabled Adventurer, World First Expedition Leader and Motivational Speaker.

Refusing to let the word disability define who he is as a person and committed to helping challenge the perception of what those with a disability can achieve, Darren has gone on to lead a record-breaking and world first expedition (Kayak 4 Heroes), which saw him lead a team of five injured/wounded veterans in kayaking 1,400 kilometres from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’ Groats in Scotland. 

In 2022, he aims to become the first disabled person to complete a marathon in Antarctica and to run seven marathons in seven days on seven different continents – known as the World Marathon Challenge. 

Darren is a passionate mental health advocate, having lost his father to suicide in 2021. In Spring 2022, he will row the English Channel in memory of his father and in support of mental health charities across the UK.

Speaking

Darren’s personal story of overcoming adversity and building a resilient mindset is guaranteed to motivate, encourage change and inspire. Instilled with humour, down-to-earth honesty and a genuine sense for adventure and pushing the limits of his disability, Darren cares deeply about connecting with his audience and getting them to think – and act – differently.

Darren’s talks are an infectiously positive call to action that nothing is achieved without a resilient mindset.

Specialist Keynotes and Workshops:

  • My Story – Strength Through Adversity
  • Building a Resilient Mindset
  • Overcoming Adversity
  • Mental Health Matters
  • Resilient Leadership
  • Growth Mindset
  • Pushing the Boundary of Disability
  • Kayaking from Land’s End to John O’ Groats (Kayak 4 Heroes)

Read more about Darren: