Captain Edmund Addington

Just before an improvised explosive device (IED) blew up under the Captain's vehicle he could have been forgiven for thinking about what he would be doing in a matter of a few days when he was scheduled to complete his tour of duty in that war-torn and highly dangerous country.

However, with incredible courage and determination, Edmund Addington put his body through various gruelling operations – this time by surgeons and not soldiers – and went on to become one of the most in-demand motivational speakers on the circuit. Delegates at corporate events and conferences cannot fail to be moved and stirred when they hear the amazing story of how Addington gritted his teeth and decided to turn a horrendous happening into something inspirational.

The aim is that if the Captain can overcome such a life-changing event and turn his life around in the face of serious adversity, then anyone facing challenges in their personal or professional lives can see there is a way to break down the barriers that prevent their own lives and capabilities from developing.

“Ed’s story touched the hearts of everyone in the audience, but it was his courage in the face of extreme adversity and his fantastic ability to overcome obstacles that resonated deeply with our professional audience.” -Marcus Marland, RLM Finsbury

“Captain Ed Addington has always had a heart for International affairs, hence his desire to serve as a soldier in the world’s most dangerous environments. It is this military experience, rooted in his wider understanding of the world (but specifically the Middle East) which leads me to recommend him in the strongest possible terms to you. He will bring a valuable operator’s perspective to his audience be it students or professionals. In Afghanistan he not only faced an agile and lethal insurgent, he operated in and amongst the people (an intensely complex tribal tapestry). He faced stabilisation and development challenges in addition to the undisputed challenge of delivering improved security. In character, Edmund is a resolute, tough, tenacious and compassionate young man whose commitment to the Riflemen under his command was  faultless.” -Ed’s Commanding Officer in Afghanistan