Darren Edwards is a record-breaking disabled adventurer and motivational speaker, specialising in resilience and mental toughness. In the summer of 2016, Darren’s life was drastically altered, when a near-fatal climbing accident left him permanently paralysed from the chest down. Refusing to let his life be defined by his injury and subsequent medical prognosis, he has battled back with determination and grit, to achieve goals many thought impossible for an individual with a high-level Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).
Since that life changing moment, Darren has achieved truly remarkable feats, leading a team of wounded veterans on a kayaking expedition from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. He has also completed 7 marathons in 7 days across 7 continents, known as the World Marathon Challenge, whilst he was part of the first disabled team to cross Europe’s largest ice cap in Iceland in just over 11 days, overcoming treacherous terrains and extreme temperatures of -27C.
Darren's first book ‘Strength Through Adversity’ is currently out on submission with major UK publishers. In this inspirational, motivational memoir, Darren shares his personal story of overcoming life-changing challenges and building resilience to encourage others to develop courageous thinking and a positive mindset. It demonstrates how adventure, hope and mental fortitude have been at the heart of Darren’s recovery.
As a sought-after motivational speaker, Darren shares his inspiring story with humour, passion and a commitment to pushing limits, engaging in events with high profile organisations including Pepsi, the NHS, Google and the Ministry of Defence.
With an unwavering resolve to expand his horizons, Darren is committed to embracing new challenges that stretch the limits of what is deemed possible. In December 2024, Darren will face freezing polar temperatures, aiming to complete the longest sit-ski expedition in the history of Antarctic exploration. In this monumental undertaking, travelling 333km to the South Pole, Darren will be journeying with a team of four, including the man who saved his life on the day of his climbing accident in 2016. Supported by global brands such as British Airways and Canada Goose, this endeavour seeks to raise £300,000 for the charity ‘Wings for Life,’ adding to the £200,000 already raised through Darren's previous epic expeditions.
Between his many adventures, Darren enjoys walking his Border Collie, Murphy, in the rolling hills of rural Shropshire.
