Mark is the first double amputee to climb Mt Everest - Life is for him is all about participation. He's always felt it’s no use being just a voyeur in life, as he believes we are all here to make a difference.

His love of sport and the outdoors continues. He’s been an international competitor in disabled skiing and has ridden at the highest level with Paralympic cycling. More recently his attention turned back to mountaineering, reaching the summit of Mount Cook again after 20yrs.

This inspired him to plan a climb of Mount Everest and in September 2004, as part of his preparation, he successfully completed a climb to the top of Cho-Oyu in Tibet (6th highest mountain in the World) and became the first double amputee to have summit climbed an 8000m peak. Two years later in May 2006, Mark achieved his dream to stand on the top of Mt Everest and become the first double amputee to achieve this feat.

In December 2004 Mark returned to the wine industry; this time as consultant Chief winemaker for Daniel Le Brun helping them to take their business to the next level. He has a love of food and wine with experience of presenting entertaining dinners all over the world and introducing people to the many riches of New Zealand.

Mark received the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003 for services to disabled people – people he sees as having a different opportunity not a lack of ability. The concept of challenge and personal excellence is an integral part of Mark’s story and he will share it with you.

With his diverse background he can offer a wide range of services, from stimulating and inspiring presentations to keynote addresses focusing on the themes of challenge, overcoming adversity, personal excellence and life long learning.