“It is far easier to climb Everest than raising a disabled child” – Rod Baber.

Rod Baber is a former professional mountaineer and multiple world record holder, including being the person to ascend the highest summits of all 47 European countries in the shortest time. Known as The Highest Challenge, Rod climbed all peaks in 1999-2000, finishing in 835 days, beating the original record by an amazing four and a half years!

He worked as a qualified ERCA trainer for over 15 years, and holds instructor and rescue certifications for all types of high and low ropes courses. He is also a Duke of Edinburgh and expedition leader, covering all training and delivery of expeditions – from running treks to community projects in Nepal.

He currently provides instructor rescue climbing training for multinational educational organisations, public services, youth bodies, the armed forces, charities, and in the recreational industry.

Through lessons learned from the roof of the world to paediatric intensive units, Rod now proactively works at enabling, inspiring, and helping both individuals and companies to understand what is needed to improve accessibility. He believes that with small changes, we can make big differences to addressing this key issue.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Rod is also a keynote speaker for businesses, charities, and schools, covering a broad range of subjects based on his climbing experience, and inspiration from his daughter.

Amalie’s Everest: Through experiences of extreme mountaineering and trying to improve his daughter’s way of life, Rod shares a story of the real challenges of raising a disabled child. This talk helps organisations understand what is needed to become more accessible.

Read Between My Eyes: Rod provides an honest account of his journey raising a disabled child and her inspiration to help him understand that by being different, we are special.

Human Challenges: An empowering speech for older children and adults, this talk is based on past mountaineering world records achieved by Rod in Europe and on Mount Everest. These mountains are insignificant in Rod’s eyes compared to what his daughter has had to do following a brain injury at 9 months old. In his eyes, her mountain is far harder to conquer than any mountain he has climbed.

Positive Learnings From Understanding Disability: An honest and emotive account of valuing imperfection.

Disability Language: This talk discusses the ‘Question of Language’ that instructors should use when working with individuals and groups with a range of physical and mental abilities, needs, and backgrounds.

Within the Shadows of Mountains: This keynote is a revealing account of what makes a good person. A professional mountaineer easily shines out in their bright vibrant clothing set against white powder and an icy-blue-sky background. The carer works quietly in tired clothes hidden in the grey shadows not wanting attention. Who should be more revered?

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book Rod Baber to speak at or host your next live event.

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