Shortly after his 18th Birthday, Joe realised his life-long ambition when he passed out as a Royal Marine Commando in June 2006. While out serving with 40 Commando, Royal Marines as part of Operation Herrick 7, Joe suffered life-altering injuries when he stepped on an IED.
From February 2008, he spent five and a half months at, what was then, the Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, 6 weeks of which was spent in intensive care. After being moved in July 2008 to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court in Surrey, Joe spent the best part of three years in rehabilitation and racking up over 50 surgical operations to date.
Unsatisfied with leading a life entirely dissimilar to that which he experienced with the Royal Marines, Joe endeavoured to gain back the fitness levels he had enjoyed as a Commando.
As testament to his efforts, in less than 7 months Joe completed the Ironman UK and became the first and only wheelchair athlete to complete one of the toughest Ironman courses in the world, which included a 2.4 mile swim, 112m cycling and 26.2 miles running. He has since completed Ironman UK for a second time and remains the only wheelchair athlete to have done so.
In addition to his Ironman exploits, Joe has competed as a Para-Athlete which has enabled him to continue to serve his country, having competed for Team GB at the European Para-triathlon Championships in 2012 as well as flying the Paralympics flame into the Olympic stadium.
Not only is Joe a hopeful for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, he has also started a strength and conditioning science degree at UCL with the ultimate goal of being in the position to help train people in a similar position to himself achieve beyond what is deemed achievable.
Despite such adversity, Joe's positivity and determination has led him to achieve some remarkable feats of endeavour and make him an inspiration for others overcoming adversity.
Overcoming Adversity
Maximising Potential
Achieving the Extraordinary
Joe is the most inspirational presenter I have had the privilege of working with over many years of leading corporate functions and team building events. He is almost uniquely rare in my experience in being a natural communicator with a series of challenging interconnected stories that coalesce into a breathtaking and compelling narrative. His presentation to my team left them motivated and awe struck, and I do not use the words lightly! Joe came to my attention after giving a talk at my children's school, in, I believe, his first presentation. He captured the imagination of 300 children and motivated me to engage him to speak to 120 of my senior accountants at RSA group. I had set for the day a theme of challenge and change and Joe fitted my requirements exactly. He captured our attention not only with his prepared remarks, delivered with complete integrity and a strong sense of timing and wit, but most importantly in his q and a session, which was protracted, intense, funny and emotionally charged. My team were captivated, and I was delighted with the universal acclamation that Joe received, as in the past I have felt that army or sporting heroes can have a narrow appeal: Joe's story has the breadth, courage and human appeal to strike a chord across a broad spectrum. I was stunned to find out how little of this work Joe has done to date given the quality of his delivery. Without a doubt he has a prodigious natural talent in this field which will lead to a fast growing reputation as a motivational speaker, and will enable him to attract support for his future endeavors. My team are keen to see how we can help Joe get to Rio, a tangible sign of his impact and legacy. I would recommend Joe without hesitation for corporate work, and would be delighted to follow up with a verbal reference if more detail or color is required. Joe is actively polishing the presentation materials he has to deploy which will only add to the force of his delivery.
Richard Houghton, Group CFO, RFA Insurance Group Plc"Joe gave a truly inspirational talk at our staff conference. He has experience of team working at the highest level, both in the military and as an elite athlete, and was able to relate this very well to the daily challenges of our people."
Caroline Titley, Chief Executive, Bracknell Forest HomesParalympics 2012: Mother's schock as Royal Marine son flies into Olympic Stadium on zipwire
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A dynamic and versatile speaker, Josh is able to draw upon his experience and expertise to give inf…