Menu
James Bertrand is a resilience speaker, entrepreneur and record breaking endurance athlete who has defied extraordinary odds from birth. Born a twin with a survival rate of just 10 per cent and facing a one in two million chance of survival, James has undergone 33 operations and spent more than five years of his life in surgical recovery. A double amputee by the age of 20, he has transformed profound adversity into purpose. In 2023, he became the first double amputee to complete the Red Bull 400, widely regarded as the world’s toughest 400 metre race. Through his journey, James has become a powerful advocate for mental strength, courage and possibility.
James’s early life was defined by complex medical challenges. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, he endured more than 30 surgeries as doctors fought to stabilise his health and mobility. Ultimately, he made the life altering decision to undergo double amputation, choosing long term freedom and functionality over ongoing limitations. He later pursued pioneering osseointegration surgery, a procedure completed by only a small number of people worldwide at the time. Determined to reclaim control of his future, James raised £53,000 in a single year to fund the surgery, demonstrating remarkable resilience and leadership in the face of uncertainty.
Following his recovery, James channelled his experiences into new challenges and ventures. Alongside completing extreme physical feats, he has partnered with major brands including Just Eat UK and Ottobock UK, using his platform to champion innovation, accessibility and mindset transformation. He also donated £5,300 to Great Ormond Street Hospital, reflecting his ongoing commitment to giving back. As the founder of Anything Made Possible, James has built a business centred on empowering others to rethink limitation and redefine achievement.
James is hired as a speaker because he does more than recount hardship. He equips audiences with practical tools to reframe adversity and build mental resilience. A firm believer that vulnerability is a source of strength rather than weakness, he helps individuals and organisations unlock courage, adaptability and belief. Through honest storytelling and actionable insight, James ensures his message resonates long after the event, proving that mindset can turn even the most daunting challenges into opportunity.
“Your talk extremely inspiring. I especially enjoyed how you were able to bring in humour, and talk through your relationship with your family which was just so wonderful. I felt like the individuals who were in the room benefited immensely from your talk, and we all were able to connect your experiences to our own personal & work lives.”
“James’ journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a former student and the first to deliver the valedictorian speech in our university’s 170-year history, he embodies resilience, determination, and excellence. His talk was both powerful and deeply personal, leaving our students motivated to push beyond their limits. James continues to be a role model for our community, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.”
“It was fantastic to have James speak at one of our conferences. As one of our patients, it was amazing for him to share his story with us. James shared his journey of his life as a double amputee and how great life can be if you have the right mindset and resilience with also a dash of humour. I can confidently say that he inspired everyone in the room.”
“Having James return to speak at our school was an unforgettable experience. His story of resilience, perseverance, and triumph over adversity left a lasting impact on our students. As a former student, James is a true inspiration, showing that challenges can be overcome with the right mindset and determination. His journey proves that anything is possible, and we are incredibly proud of all he has achieved.”
The Mental Health Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for emotional wellbeing experts since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes athletes, psychologists, celebrities and more, to ensure that audiences of all demographics receive tailored, impactful mental health guidance.
Copyright © 2026 The Mental Health Speakers Agency. All rights reserved.
