Geoff entered the history books in 2007 when he sailed solo around Great Britain – conquering what Geoff called his ‘personal Everest’. Paralysed from the neck down in an accident at the age of 18, Geoff’s sailing achievement was highly acclaimed.
Geoff continues to challenge what seems impossible and in 2010, he became the first quadriplegic to sail unassisted across the Atlantic a voyage of 3,000 miles.
Recognition of Geoff’s achievements came swiftly including being voted BBC South Sports Personality of the Year (2007). Geoff received a British Airways Great Briton Award and the RYA Francis Elkin Award (2009); an MBE for services to disabled sailing (2010), and the coveted YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year (2011) an award that Geoff considers the ‘Knighthood of Yachting.’ Geoff’s entrepreneurial skill was recognized in winning the prestigious Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK in 2015. Geoff is CEO of Wetwheels a CIC company that provides boating opportunities for people of all ages and ability on fully accessible boats. In 2017, Geoff won a Global Award for Philanthropy.
Geoff’s marketing background and his recent success as an entrepreneur ensures his business messages are rooted in his experiences both on and off the water – a powerful combination. Founded and run by Geoff, Wetwheels is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that operates fully accessible boats to provide boating opportunities for all. The company offers disabled clients educational and mentoring programmes along with sporting and recreational trips on the sea.
Although sailing is a key thread in Geoff’s life, Geoff’s story is not about sailing. His life demonstrates the power of the human spirit and it captivates audiences every time he tells it. It is journey through life of an amazing man told with passion and humour. He engages audiences by making them feel involved in every step of that journey and he demonstrates, with great sensitivity, our ability to deal with challenges when they present themselves in life. Above all, it is a ‘feel good’ story leaving audiences up-beat and inspired to do something positive within their own lives.
Geoff’s story is highly motivational and told with humour, thoughtful insight and great photographs and film footage. He has faced adversity, challenged limits and continues to inspire others to maintain a positive attitude no matter what the challenges ahead. His positive outlook is infectious and it comes across strongly in every speaking engagement.
