About Stuart Boreham

Stuart Boreham is a sought after professional speaker who is regularly called upon to speak to audiences throughout the UK and around the world. In addition, he is also actively involved as a Patron of three UK based charities and has received numerous awards in recognition of both his epic adventures and his charity work

Stuart was born in Stornoway, Outer Hebrides, in May 1966. As a child, it was soon apparent that he had difficulties with his legs - cerebral palsy had left him spastic in his lower limbs.  What he lacks in strength in his limbs he has made up for in strength of willpower to succeed. 

Several major operations on his legs and feet improved his ability to walk.  Stuart has always been keen to show that he is as able as others, but for him taking part in sports invariably meant supporting his friends from the sidelines, whilst they took part themselves.  However, whilst at school, the opportunity to take part in dinghy sailing came along and the pleasure derived from this activity ignited a spark that would smoulder on until later events turned it into a flame. 

As a young man, Stuart required major surgery at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford.  Following this, he decided he wanted to do something to help them and having heard of an endurance record for go-karting, Stuart set out to break it whilst raising money in a major sponsored event.  Unfortunately, just before the event, a racing accident in the kart provided a significant setback in his ambitions.  The accident kept him in a wheelchair for many months and off work for nearly a year. 

Whilst recovering, Stuart had been following the progress of The British Steel Challenge through the pages of the National press.  Having decided that he wanted to see the yachts return home he headed for Southampton. Still wheel-chair bound, a chance encounter with Sir Chay Blyth - the race organiser - fired Stuart's imagination.  A subsequent application and interview with Sir Chay Blyth saw Stuart accepted to take part in the BT Global Challenge 1996-97 round the world yacht race, sailing on board Time & Tide which was crewed entirely by people with a disability or who had overcome a life-threatening illness. 

Initially trained by the acclaimed yachtsman Pete Goss MBE, Stuart went on to amass over 20,000 miles ocean experience.

In the run up to the event, Stuart achieved another ‘first’, when – in April 1996 - he drove a fully working ride-on lawnmower from John O’Groats to Land’s End at 7 mph – the top speed of the mower!

After completing the yacht race, Stuart sailed as a member of the crew on the Safety Vessel which accompanied the 1997 Port St. Charles Atlantic Rowing Race from the Canaries to Barbados. Following this activity, he decided that he would set out to become the first physically disabled person to row an ocean.  

Determined to succeed at his rowing voyage, Stuart not only focused on having a solid team behind him and a good, well equipped, boat but took a unique approach to aid his fitness and mental preparation.  He took up horse riding.  To do so, he overcame his fears of being on the horse and controlling it, which helped to develop his positive mind and self-confidence.   Also, riding the horse strengthened his back and other muscle groups whilst improving his balance and posture.
 
Having raised sponsorship of £82,000 in order to have a suitable boat built, equipped and provisioned for the journey, as well as preparing himself physically and mentally for the challenge, Stuart rowed out from La Gomera, Canaries and began his epic journey.  The 3341 mile crossing, to Barbados, took 109 days 12 hours and nine minutes, during which time he overcame numerous difficulties such as electrical failure, sore hands and infected feet and a lengthy storm that saw winds of up to 50 mph and waves of 45 feet in height batter him and his boat for five days.  The highs on the trip included seeing dolphins close up, sharks, whales and many many tuna, as well as a fantastic sunset on Christmas day evening.

 

About Stuart

Stuart Boreham

Stuart was born in Stornoway, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, in May 1966.

As a child, it was soon apparent that he had difficulties with his legs - cerebral palsy had left him spastic in his lower limbs.

But what he has lacked in strength in his legs he has made up for in willpower to succeed.

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Testimonials

Motivational Speaking

Read what some of our clients have had to say about Stuart.

"It is clear that your incredible dedication and determination was conveyed to everyone and that the honest and personal way you told your story had a strong effect on those listening."

IFS (UK) Ltd

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