Speakers
Rory Mackenzie
While serving as a Combat Medic to the 2 Mercians Battlegroup in Iraq, Lance Corporal Rory Mackenzie lost his leg as his routine early morning patrol was interrupted by a roadside bomb. Following his recovery Rory went on cross the Atlantic in a charity fundraising expedition and has forged a career as an outstanding motivational speaker.
During Rory Mackenzie’s first tour of duty in Iraq a well placed roadside bomb penetrated his vehicle, tore through his right buttock up through his leg exiting through the knee and finally stopping in the chest of the soldier sitting next to him who died instantly. Rory was in a very serious condition and realised he had lost a leg and needed a 16 hour long op to stabilise his wounds. He eventually got better and stronger. He made a complete physical recovery and was walking again but was angry that his sports and extreme lifestyle was ruined. He then received an invitation via Help for Heroes to go adaptive skiing in Bavaria. He immediately agreed and within five minutes of the initial brief he knew this was going to be healing and he came off the slopes a different person and now believes he can succeed in whatever he puts his mind to.
In January 2012 Rory and a team of former servicemen (two able bodied and four injured) successfully crossed the Atlantic in a rowing boat with a fundraising target of £1 million to support number of charities.
Rory was selected to give a speech at the prestigious closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games receiving wide spread acclaim.
He is currently much in demand as an inspirational speaker and his key presentation themes include, overcoming adversity – setting and achieving a goal – effective teamwork and motivation. Feedback on his presentations include:
“I listened to Rory give a talk to the Diageo board where I am a Non- Executive member. He is an inspiring speaker and I found his talk so interesting I am keen to book him for other events” Lord Mervyn Davies
