About me
From septic shock to a gold medal and a World Record – Rich pulls no punches when it comes to retelling his experiences in overcoming adversity and how his desire for disability rights continues to motivate him to aim high always.
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From elite sports as a youngster to attending university in a new country, a life of adventure had beckoned me from an early age. A chance encounter with a Junior Officer in Vietnam motivated me to follow in his footsteps.
Walking up those famous steps at Sandhurst, I was immensely proud of myself and I was enthusiastically embarking on a career I could only have dreamt of. Multiple deployments, sporting achievements and an upwards trajectory as an Army Officer – I could not have foreseen the freak accident that ultimately caused me to lose a leg.
In 2018 my wife was told that I had gone into septic shock and might not make it through the night. That night, the NHS saved my life and what followed was three years of intense physical and mental rehabilitation at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre. After 16 revision surgeries I was medically discharged, having been told I would never run again.
I later went on to represent the UK at the Invictus Games and win multiple medals across various events. In 2024 I became the first and only disabled person to complete the Snowman Trek in Bhutan – a feat which took me 28 days over complex and unforgiving terrain that plunged to temperatures of -30 degrees.
Now serving as an elected District Councillor, I want to show there world what disabled people are capable of and inspire the next generation to find their own unique challenge.
To me, resilience means continuing to get up, no matter how many times you've been knocked down. Only when life is at it's darkest, can we see the light.
Rich Potter
Rich's featured keynote
All talks can be tailored to your organisation and Rich has vast experience with a variety of different audiences, ranging from businesses and military units to schools and charities.