Darren Harris lost his vision due to bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer that affects the retina and is most commonly diagnosed in children.

Darren’s condition was detected at an early age, and as a result, he underwent treatment that included the removal of both eyes, rendering him blind. Retinoblastoma is caused by a mutation in the RB1 gene, which is crucial for regulating cell growth in the retina.

When this gene mutates, it can lead to unchecked cell growth and tumour formation. Darren’s early diagnosis and subsequent treatment likely saved his life, but the aggressive measures necessary to combat the disease resulted in his total vision loss.

Darren Harris | Coping with Blindness

Diagnosed and treated for cancer of both eyes at age 1, Darren Harris struggled to cope with the reality that he was losing his sight and went down a mental, emotional and behavioural spiral.

But meeting a real-life Daredevil at a special school for visually impaired children, he finished his secondary education believing that he could do almost anything he put his mind to.

However, returning to the ocular centric world, he discovered that he also needed to silence that inner voice generating excuses, in order to listen to those reasons why success was possible in education, employment and beyond.

Darren Harris | Excelling in Education

Darren initially studied Mathematics at the University of Sheffield, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree. This analytical foundation played a key role in his problem-solving approach both on and off the field.

Later, driven by his growing interest in the psychological aspects of performance, Darren pursued a conversion course in Psychology with the Open University. He completed this intensive postgraduate programme while maintaining his rigorous training as a professional athlete.

His academic journey culminated in an honorary doctorate in 2014, awarded for his outstanding contributions to public service and charitable efforts​.

Darren Harris | Sporting Achievements

Darren has an impressive track record across two Paralympic disciplines: blind football and judo. As England’s most capped and decorated blind footballer, Darren has represented his country 157 times, earning 10 World and European medals.

He made his debut for the England blind football team in 1996 and became captain in 2002, guiding the team to qualify for the Athens Paralympics in 2004.

In 2008, Darren switched focus to judo, competing for Great Britain at the Beijing Paralympics. Injury challenges led him back to football, where he played at the London Paralympics in 2012.

Throughout his career, Darren has been lauded not only for his athletic prowess but also for his leadership, including mentoring younger athletes like Charles Leclerc during pivotal moments of their careers​.

Darren Harris | Inspirational and Motivational Speaker

Darren Harris is a captivating and insightful speaker whose journey of overcoming adversity and achieving excellence resonates deeply with diverse audiences. Drawing from his experiences as a Paralympian in both blind football and judo, Darren delivers talks that inspire and empower individuals to face challenges head-on, embrace resilience, and strive for their goals.

With a warm and engaging style, Darren tailors his presentations to meet the needs of corporate events, educational institutions, and community groups.

Whether speaking about resilience, diversity, overcoming adversity or the principles of high-performance teams, Darren brings a wealth of experience and authenticity, ensuring audiences leave inspired and equipped with actionable insights. He explores themes such as leadership, mental toughness, resilience, adaptability, and the power of a growth mindset.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book double Paralympian, inspirational speaker and blind footballer Darren Harris for your next event.

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