Keynote SpeakerEd Jackson

Ed Jackson is a former professional rugby player who competed at the highest level for over a decade. After a life-changing accident left him paralysed from the neck down, Ed has since inspired countless people by quite literally climbing mountains, proving that no challenge is insurmountable with determination, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit.

In April 2017, Ed’s life was profoundly altered when a dive into the shallow end of a swimming pool resulted in a catastrophic spinal cord injury, leaving him paralysed from the neck down. Doctors told him he would never walk again. But through exceptional grit, relentless rehabilitation, and a refusal to give up, Ed defied the odds and reached the summit of a mountain within a year of his accident. His story continues to demonstrate how even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome with resilience, courage, and a focused mindset.

In August 2021, Ed’s resilience and optimism were celebrated with the release of his debut book, Lucky, which became an instant Sunday Times Bestseller. In Lucky, Ed shares his powerful story of triumph over adversity—a testament to hope, perseverance, and finding strength in the face of overwhelming challenges. The book’s impact was so profound that it was adapted into a Universal Pictures film, The ‘Mountain Within Me’, released globally in August 2024. The movie has been hailed as “an inspiring, thought-provoking documentary about unexpected change, hope, and discovering renewed purpose in life.”

In recent years, Ed has become a respected voice in broadcasting, especially as a lead host for Channel 4’s Paralympic Games coverage to which he presented at Tokyo 2020 and more recently, the 2024 games in Paris. When not tackling physical challenges, he’s regularly seen presenting and commentating on Channel 4, bringing a unique and motivational voice to sports media. Ed has become an integral member of Channel 4’s Paralympics hosting team, bringing his insights on resilience, peak performance, and triumph over adversity to audiences worldwide.

After listening to Ed talk you will be inspired to push through adversity, embrace a more positive mindset and be introduced to the importance of persevering through obstacles with resilience and courage.