Speaker / Darren Edwards

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 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 Iceland
• The 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