British Army Staff Sergeant Paul Swain was faced with what many would see as an insurmountable challenge when in 2011 he was seriously injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). And it was this life-changing event that helped him embark on a journey into motivational speaking.
Paul’s military career began when aged just 17 he followed in his big brother’s footsteps, joining the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, initially as a tank driver. Not only did he work his way up the ladder to gunner then tank commander, but as an all-round sportsman, represented the Army in both football and boxing.
A skilled trainer too, he became a valued instructor at the Army Foundation College, where his dogged determination and sense of humour inspired many a young recruit.
However, in May 2011, Paul’s life changed forever when he was out with his regiment in Afghanistan helping to train members of the Afghan National Army. Their interpreter had strayed out of the safe zone, unwittingly, and fatally, detonating an improvised explosive device. Paul, striving to save him, was seriously injured, losing his left arm just below the elbow.
Paul was taken back to the UK for treatment to multiple flesh wounds and damage to his internal organs. He remained in hospital in Birmingham for eight weeks, undergoing more than 25 operations, before spending a year in rehabilitation at DMRC Headley Court.
Already a supporter of BLESMA – the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association – it was at Headley Court that he was introduced through the charity to the On Course Foundation, which provides employment and work experience for wounded service personnel through golf.
Never someone to do things by halves, Paul embraced this sport that he’d not played for many years and started competing in tournaments. Representing Great Britain, his determination to succeed saw him sink the winning putt at the first two Simpson Cup events against the US, and take the crown twice in a row as champion of the Battle Back Golf initiative. These golfing achievements meant that Paul got to meet the late great showman and fellow golfer Bruce Forsyth. And if you’re thinking Paul looks familiar, well he has worked as a supporting artist on HBO series Strike Back and appeared in the opening scenes of the Oscar-winning movie The Favourite. Always striving to rise to his next challenge, Paul has taken on the roles of personal trainer and nutrition adviser, and in 2017, reached Everest Base Camp, an incredible feat of endurance. But it’s when inspiring others through his life experiences and his resilience, perseverance and determination that he feels at his most fulfilled. This is what makes Paul the perfect speaker for any business, team or group searching for guidance on facing life’s challenges and obstacles.
Paul S
- HEIGHT: 175 cm/5' 9''
- SHOE SIZE: 43.5EU/9½US/9UK
- HAIR: Light brown
- EYES: Blue
- DIS/DIFF: Limb difference
- HEIGHT: 175 cm/5' 9''
- SHOE SIZE: 43.5EU/9½US/9UK
- HAIR: Light brown
- EYES: Blue
- DIS/DIFF: Limb difference
British Army Staff Sergeant Paul Swain was faced with what many would see as an insurmountable challenge when in 2011 he was seriously injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). And it was this life-changing event that helped him embark on a journey into motivational speaking.
Paul’s military career began when aged just 17 he followed in his big brother’s footsteps, joining the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, initially as a tank driver. Not only did he work his way up the ladder to gunner then tank commander, but as an all-round sportsman, represented the Army in both football and boxing.
A skilled trainer too, he became a valued instructor at the Army Foundation College, where his dogged determination and sense of humour inspired many a young recruit.
However, in May 2011, Paul’s life changed forever when he was out with his regiment in Afghanistan helping to train members of the Afghan National Army. Their interpreter had strayed out of the safe zone, unwittingly, and fatally, detonating an improvised explosive device. Paul, striving to save him, was seriously injured, losing his left arm just below the elbow.
Paul was taken back to the UK for treatment to multiple flesh wounds and damage to his internal organs. He remained in hospital in Birmingham for eight weeks, undergoing more than 25 operations, before spending a year in rehabilitation at DMRC Headley Court.
Already a supporter of BLESMA – the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association – it was at Headley Court that he was introduced through the charity to the On Course Foundation, which provides employment and work experience for wounded service personnel through golf.
Never someone to do things by halves, Paul embraced this sport that he’d not played for many years and started competing in tournaments. Representing Great Britain, his determination to succeed saw him sink the winning putt at the first two Simpson Cup events against the US, and take the crown twice in a row as champion of the Battle Back Golf initiative. These golfing achievements meant that Paul got to meet the late great showman and fellow golfer Bruce Forsyth. And if you’re thinking Paul looks familiar, well he has worked as a supporting artist on HBO series Strike Back and appeared in the opening scenes of the Oscar-winning movie The Favourite. Always striving to rise to his next challenge, Paul has taken on the roles of personal trainer and nutrition adviser, and in 2017, reached Everest Base Camp, an incredible feat of endurance. But it’s when inspiring others through his life experiences and his resilience, perseverance and determination that he feels at his most fulfilled. This is what makes Paul the perfect speaker for any business, team or group searching for guidance on facing life’s challenges and obstacles.