Andy enjoys working with children to show that disability is nothing to be afraid of and he happily lets students take his sports legs apart and put them back together.
After leaving school in 1999, Andy applied to join the Parachute Regiment. But just before he was due to attend a 3 day training course, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him hospitalized for over four months prior to the training.
Whilst in hospital, the reality of the accident set in, and aged 16 Andy thought his life and career were both over.
He didn’t lose his leg straight away as Bristol Royal Infirmary did everything they could to save it, but in 2005 Andy made the difficult decision to have his leg amputated due to the problems his leg gave him.
Following the amputation, Andy struggled to deal with this decision but he began to realise he was the only person who could change his life.
Although he would face obstacles along the way he was determined to overcome them and do his best.
Once he learned to walk again with his new prosthetic leg, Andy learnt new ways of doing things, including the simplest everyday tasks.
What does it take to bounce back from disappointment? Our athletes open up about tough moments in their careers, from injuries to defeats, and how resilience helped them keep going. Pupils will learn valuable lessons about never giving up, adapting to change, and staying strong when times get tough.
The Paralympic Games are a celebration of determination, talent, and breaking down barriers. In this talk, our Paralympians and para-athletes share their incredible journeys, highlighting the power of resilience, inclusion, and the human spirit. Pupils will hear how these athletes have overcome challenges, changed perceptions, and achieved greatness on the world stage, inspiring everyone to believe in what’s possible.
Having a growth mindset means believing you can improve through effort, learning, and perseverance. In this talk, our athletes explain how this way of thinking has helped them deal with setbacks, learn from mistakes, and keep improving, no matter the odds. Pupils will be encouraged to embrace challenges, stay positive, and understand that hard work and resilience lead to progress in sport and in life.
Our athletes share inspiring stories about living with a disability and how sport has helped break down barriers and challenge perceptions. In this talk, pupils will hear about the importance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. It’s a powerful message about ability, determination, kindness, and seeing the person, not the label.
Inspirational Athletes connects schools & communities with elite athletes who inspire, motivate and engage young people through talks, workshops and sports sessions.
Address:
Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 1RD
Phone:
020 7993 2724
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
