At just 18yrs, Michael was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative, incurable muscle wasting disease. Nineteen years on, Michael became the first disabled person to lead expeditions to both the North (April ‘02) and the South Poles (Jan ‘04). As a speaker, Michael’s strength lies in his emotional force and ability to influence behavioural change. He moves people to a place of action.
Michael’s family are/were all in medicine – his uncle was an orthopaedic surgeon at Leeds General, his auntie worked in the field of oncology in Milan, his father was a dental surgeon and his father’s father was a GP. An Oxford Brookes Hospitality Management alumnus, Michael proudly planted his university flag at 90⁰ South (Antarctica) & other sponsors from DHL, Hilton Hotels & Virgin. Despite altitude sickness, the astonishingly expensive “Babe, I’m here!” phone call from the South Pole to his wife in the UK lives on forever!
Following his record-breaking polar successes, his first public speaking address was at BAFTA (Piccadilly, London). Today, Michael is in-demand, delivering bespoke conference keynotes & tailored workshops across the UK & overseas to both private & public sector organisations. Laced with powerful learnings & anecdotes drawn via the lens of his life, compelling, relevant lessons & insights are shared, with audiences moved to reflect & act. From in-person & virtual engagements, Michael’s specialist speaking topics include leadership, team cohesion, change, risk, resilience & overcoming adversity.
Michael is one of those rare speakers who openly and authentically gives of himself – full of energy and charisma, he has delivered >26 keynotes for different NHS Trusts across the UK. He has shared his story with academic institutions, schools, and places of learning to inspire young people and motivate future generations – his unique experiences drawn from an ‘Inspired by 2012’ Charity Programme that was two years in the planning, officially endorsed by Lord Coe and LOCOG, as featured on BBC News and the Channel 4 Paralympic Breakfast show (twice!) that changed the lives of 75 vulnerable young people with muscular dystrophy and their families from across the UK, continue to uplift young people looking for inspiration. Michael was invited to close Europe’s largest 2018 TEDx event themed ‘Dare to Defy’ at the University of Warwick; his ‘Power of the Polar Hug’ talk revealed a vulnerability in him that’s never been publicly shared.
Recognised by the Queen in 2004 for his ‘contribution to national life’, he was included in the Christmas Day broadcast to the nation by Her Majesty reinforcing diversity as a strength. Nominated by Sainsbury’s national campaign, he was selected as one of the London 2012 Paralympic Torchbearers carrying the flame upright in his ETAC890 powerchair (his chariot!) on one of its final legs to the Olympic Stadium.
In 2003, Michael founded The Muscle Help Foundation (MHF), a multi award-winning family-centred charity delivering transformational interventions in the UK called Muscle Dreams for children & young people (8-35yrs) with Muscular Dystrophy. COVID-19 saw MHF repurpose with a suite of virtual therapeutic wellbeing programmes designed to support its vulnerable community. When the pandemic took hold, Michael had shielded for >750 days. Whilst societal freedoms for most have returned, Michael’s interactions with the outside world are considered and carefully planned. Drawing strength from his adopted life credo ‘Quant Je Puis’ meaning ‘As Much As I Can’ (from his old Jesuit school alma mater) and his ‘RISK’ lockdown lessons [R = Resilience, I = Inspiration, S = Survival and K = Kindness], Michael uses his experiences as a powerful force for change but also to highlight the need for greater compassion and kindness in today’s uncertain world.
Subject to funding, by the end of Feb 2027, MHF will have realised its original mission, delivering one Muscle Dream intervention for every muscle in the human body! 2026/27 is a key milestone as MHF marks its 24th Year of Operation – affectionately known as the Chief Muscle Warrior, MHF’s work is Michael’s life’s mission & purpose. Reach out to Michael to learn more.
He was included on the Power 100 list as one of Britain’s most influential people with a disability for four consecutive years. Within the UK-wide charity sector, he has received the Inspiring Communicator 2016 CharityComms National Award. Michael received an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree in Sept 2018 from the University of Hertfordshire in recognition of his motivational & inspirational work for persons with a disability. In July 2019, he was appointed to represent the Crown as a Deputy Lieutenant (DL), a voluntary role in Hertfordshire (UK). In Dec 2022, after 25yrs living in Herts, Michael ‘defected’ with his wife Susie to Hampshire (UK) to be closer to family. In June 2023, Michael was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List, for Services to People with Muscular Dystrophy. Invested in June 2024 and witnessed by three generations of his family, he received his Award from Anne, Princess Royal at Windsor Castle. In Sept 2024, Michael was invited to join the Accessible Hospitality Alliance (AHA) as an Advisory Board Member.
