Darren Edwards

Keynote Speaker

Darren Edwards's Biography

A soldier and avid mountaineer, Darren survived a devastating, life-changing climbing accident that very nearly claimed his life and left him permanently paralysed from the chest down. The accident and resulting Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) could so easily have destroyed his spirit, but instead, he used it as a catalyst for growth. Darren’s story is a living testament to the boundless capabilities of the human spirit to endure and overcome adversity. Now, he is a record-breaking Disabled Adventurer and Inspirational Speaker who has redefined the limits of what is thought possible for an individual with a Spinal Cord Injury. From becoming the first person with a disability to run seven marathons in seven days across seven continents in a wheelchair, to kayaking the length of Great Britain whilst leading a team of injured veterans, and then his ground-breaking expedition to sit-ski across Antarctica to the South Pole, Darren’s incredible story of overcoming adversity, adapting to change, and building a robust mindset is guaranteed to motivate, encourage change, and inspire.  

A snapshot of Darren’s achievements: The first person to run seven marathons in seven days across seven continents in a wheelchair (World Marathon Challenge, 2023)Led a ground-breaking kayaking expedition from Lands’ End to John O’ Groats (Kayak 4 Heroes, 2021)Led the first all-disabled team to ski across Europe’s largest glacier, the Vatnajokull in IcelandThe first person with a Spinal Cord Injury to row across the English Channel (2022)Leading a ground-breaking expedition to the South Pole in December 2024

An Inspirational SpeakerTrusted by some of the largest companies in the UK and US (British Airways, Pepsi, Procter & Gamble, and Google). Darren’s specialist keynotes are guaranteed to motivate, encourage change, and inspire. They are a powerful call to action that reinforces the vital role of a robust mindset, the ability to adapt to change, and how beyond our own perceived limits lies our true potential. Darren’s speaking engagements are not just presentations; they are immersive experiences. With meticulously curated content, he employs a narrative style that balances profound intellectual insights with the weight of human emotion. His discussions on adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and leadership come alive through powerful storytelling, laden with cinematic details that transform abstract concepts into actionable tactics.

Best Selling Author Released in February 2023, Darren’s first book ‘Strength Through Adversity’ became an instant best-seller on Amazon in the UK and across multiple territories around the globe. His personal story of overcoming adversity and building a resilient mindset is guaranteed to motivate, encourage courageous thinking, and inspire. Instilled with humour, down-to-earth honesty, and a genuine sense for adventure and pushing the limits, Darren cares deeply about connecting with his audience and getting them to think – and act- differently.   

Keynote Titles in Detail

‘Strength Through Adversity’Gain valuable insights from Darren’s remarkable experiences, learning how to develop mental toughness and how to thrive in high-pressure situations.

The Adaptive Mindset – The Five Pillars to Overcome Adversity’In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and evolve has never become more important.Darren’s lived experience makes him uniquely placed to impart his lessons and reflections on how we can all learn to adapt and evolve. 'World-First Leadership and Teamwork'Darren has led and been part of ground-breaking expedition teams that have achieved feats never completed before. These experiences have provided Darren with a unique insight into the inner workings of high-performing teams in challenging and high-pressure environments.

Leading from the Back – Authentic Leadership’Darren has led a series of record-breaking expeditions in high-pressure and high-risk environments. He has done this whilst being the most physically disabled, and not able to ‘lead from the front’. What he has learnt is an important lesson in the value of creating an authentic leadership style, regardless of natural talent or ability.