x

username Password

Forgot your password?

Name:

Email:

summary

Performance Improvement Catalyst and the only disABLED person in the world to have reached both North & South Poles. Sir Richard Branson said “Michael is an inspiration”. Diversity Champion and full-time Muscle Warrior, McGrath explores the metaphor of challenge, revealing how individuals and organisations can expand their performance potential.

biography

Michael McGrath is a speaker with a difference, a difference that manifests itself through:

  * His meticulous research and preparation into every engagement and/or project
  * An innate ability to interprete client briefs by ‘listening’ and ‘questioning’
  * Individually customised deliveries
  * Key messages being woven into presentations
  * Recommendations often being made to enhance and enrich the project experience
  * A real desire to look at where and how more value can be added
  * His recognition of the importance of feedback (both ways)

Whether motivational, inspirational or educational, Michael McGrath aims in his words ‘to connect both emotionally and intellectually’ with his audiences, by ‘inspiring action’ and by being a ‘catalyst for change’.
His greatest power is his’emotional force’ and resolute, driven spirit.

Michael’s remarkable life story is one of consistently overcoming incredible odds. British born with a cocktail of Irish and Brazilian blood and educated by the Jesuits, Michael describes himself as the adventurous black sheep of his family, a catalyst for change and a champion of difference; most of his family are in medicine. Michael made history in January 2004 by becoming the only disabled person in the world to have reached both the North and South Poles ~ by any standards, an extraordinary example of determination, courage and singular achievement.

He is first and foremost a father to his daughter and husband to his wife, also his business partner. At the age of 12yrs, Michael wanted to be a professional golfer. At 14yrs, he was invited to play at Junior Wimbledon. At 15yrs, he dreamt of becoming the General Manager of the Savoy Hotel in London. At 16yrs, he was a keen rugby player at Stonyhurst College (a flanker by trade!), an independent Catholic boarding school founded in 1593 (guided by Jesuit principles), whose motto “Quant Je Puis” (As Much As I Can) is central to McGrath’s own Reach Beyond ethos and Can-Do spirit. At 18yrs, he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a muscle wasting disease that remains the single biggest genetic killer of children on the planet ~ in that moment, Michael’s life instantly changed forever.

He is in demand as a sought after inspirational business speaker. He travels the world, provoking, stimulating and inspiring change whilst championing his 3M formula for success (based around the brain being a muscle, the body’s ability to move and the mind needing to be fuelled by motivation) for both private and public sector organisations. Clients have included Barclays, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Lloyds TSB Women’s Network, DHL Global, Hilton International, Credit Suisse, Shaw Trust, Capital Resourcing, Carillion Transport, the NHS, Shoosmiths, the Cabinet Office, Motorola, Medtronic Inc, Remploy, Government Office for the South East, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, various UK public sector organisations including County Councils and Housing Associations, as well as many places of learning from Ashridge Business School (one of the world’s leading business management colleges) to junior, secondary and special education needs (SEN) schools. Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group said “Michael is an inspiration”.

Managing his own business, Michael has influenced and changed the mind-sets of thousands through speaker engagement and bespoke masterclass activity, giving clients a robust opportunity to creatively leverage key business objectives. Today, his greatest power is his emotional force to not only inspire action but help organisations motivate their people. Michael is also a specialist disABILITY adviser to the hospitality industry and is often invited to write for professional industry journals. He is a judge on the industries prestigious Cateys Awards. Within the hospitality sector, past clients have included Hilton Hotels UK & Ireland, for whom he was exclusively appointed the disABILITY Champion (a figurehead role) for 4 years.

When not speaking or consulting, he’s raising vital funds and awareness to support the important work of The Muscular Help Foundation (musclehelp.com), a UK registered charity based near London that helps children and young people in the UK with muscular dystrophy via its Muscle Dreams programme, live a dream or fulfil a cherished ambition. He is the Co-founder.

In January 2004, Michael returned from Antarctica, having successfully led his team to the South Pole.  In doing so, he made history by becoming the only disabled person in the world to have reached both North and South Poles – he reached the North Pole in April 2002. Leadership, trust, a strong sense of self-belief, teamwork and absolute confidence were critical success factors.

Michael received global support and endorsements including business entrepreneurs such as Sir Richard Branson, actors, media presenters, sports personalities and adventurers such as Kenneth Branagh, Lorraine Kelly of GMTV, Michael Palin, Chris Bonington, Jon Snow of Channel 4 News as well as many Equality and Diversity champions including the Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs at the European Commission in Brussels, where he has also spoken.

In recognising and valuing difference, Michael was included in The Queen’s 2004 Christmas Day broadcast from Buckingham Palace that reinforced the importance of diversity as a strength and a year later, he received the prestigious 2005 Business Traveller of the Year Award presented to him by Kate Adie in Dubai.

In the words of Alexandra Shackleton, one of his expedition Patrons, Michael continually demonstrates, like her grandfather Sir Ernest Shackleton, the qualities of optimism, courage, imagination and patience – his polar achievements are extraordinary triumphs of physical and mental endurance, and should serve as a reminder to us all that, in Michael’s own words, ‘our limits are often far beyond where we may assume them to be’.

Michael on – INSPIRATION
As the only disabled person in the world to have successfully led expeditions to both the North and South Poles, Michael passionately believes that improving an individual’s performance through inspiration, results in greater performance for the team, company and for the individual.
The feeling that inspiration gives us is often described within the body as having an elevated energy and enthusiasm. Successfully reaching two of the most inhospitable places on earth is in itself remarkable and inspiring; what is all the more remarkable is the fact that despite his adversity, Michael’s story focuses in part on his enormous mental energy but also his unique ability to create what he calls a ‘shift in state’ in others towards a place that is ‘inspirational’.
His story is not just about where he draws his own day-to-day inspiration but also why real inspiration can be a great catalyst for change. It is about our individual ability to make a difference in others, no matter what our limitations. Despite most people in Michael’s life saying that it would be impossible (“you can’t do that”), despite the probabilities, the enormous odds and the utter disbelief from those in the medical world who understand the physiological risks associated with extreme cold and muscular dystrophy – if we believe in something strongly enough and critically, can inspire others to believe, then absolutely anything is possible.

 

photos

Testimonials

“Michael was invited as our keynote speaker on the 2009 HBOS plc Conference “Strong Leadership in Changing Times”, a one-day Senior Executive programme focused on the leadership legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914-16 Endurance expedition.  Recommended to HBOS, Michael was not only able to directly relate to this story of leadership in the face of extreme adversity, but to brilliantly articulate the business metaphors and challenges through a twenty-first century corporate lens. This he did with great insight and impact, weaving his own polar experiences in overcoming tremendous personal challenges to achieve the unthinkable. Michael’s life story added real perspective. He inspired delegates with his frankness, humility and engaging presentation style. I would have no hesitation in recommending Michael as a speaker.” (HBOS-U Development Manager)
“Michael was the guest speaker at Parcelnet’s Annual Conference that was held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds in October 2008. He delivered an incredibly inspiring and thought provoking address to our employees that drew upon his challenging personal experiences and remarkable life story. His speech blended humour, insight and a real understanding of our business objectives to engage with the audience, conveying a highly motivational message. A collection organised by Parcelnet following Michael’s speech raised £984.27 for his charities Muscle Dreams programme. I would have no hesitation in recommending Michael as a speaker.” (Managing Director, Parcelnet)
The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) invited Michael McGrath to be the guest speaker at our Awards Dinner in December 2008. This was the first IFI Awards Dinner staged in the Initiatives eight year history and Michael’s contribution was central to the success of the evening. His ability to inspire was phenomenal. The audience was immediately captivated by the compelling nature of his talk. Michael also conducted his own research into our business before the evening and as a result, his speech had a clear focus on the achievements and impact of the organisation. This added tremendous value and relevance for all attendees as well as appearing to unite everyone in the room with a focus to continue our important work. Michael’s sheer grit and determination evidenced in his own life challenges was infectious. His genuine passion is quite obviously his driver. He inspired everyone to embrace the message that it is possible to achieve the seemingly unachievable. Michael’s message was focused, powerful, inspirational, and above all lasting. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Michael as a professional speaker.” (IFI National Director)
“Shaw Trust engaged Michael McGrath as an inspiring motivational speaker on several occasions to Managers, Pathways + TUPE staff and to New Starters to the business. Michael effectively tailored his presentations to incorporate our corporate messages, whilst providing inspiration, and touching our staff at a deeply emotional level. An amazing individual with the ability to motivate and inspire people at all levels of an organisation. Michael made a real impact, in part underpinned by the time he took in speaking to a number of different employees including members of the senior management team in learning about our strategic aims and key corporate messages that we wanted him to weave into his delivery. For those privileged enough to hear him speak, I would thoroughly recommend Michael.” (National Training Manager, Shaw Trust)
“Michael McGrath provided the closing keynote address at Aldwyck Housing Group’s Annual Staff Conference, ‘Delivering Excellence’ in November 2008. The conference was attended by around 270 staff representing all areas of the business. The event organisers were impressed with the level of preparation Michael undertook ahead of the event itself; requesting a clear brief of our expectations; visiting the venue beforehand to consider logistics; speaking to a number of staff from across the business in getting closer to our business challenges including our Chief Executive. This gave Michael a good insight into our organisation and the diverse nature of our work. It also ensured that he had a very clear understanding of our current business issues and our strategic focus moving forwards. He wove this knowledge into his presentation in a way that created a real intellectual engagement with his audience. In line with the event theme, he ‘delivered excellence’ in both

 

Development Lead, HBOS/U

“Michael was invited as our keynote speaker on the 2009 HBOS plc Conference “Strong Leadership in Changing Times”, a one-day Senior Executive programme focused on the leadership legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914-16 Endurance expedition. Recommended to HBOS, Michael was not only able to directly relate to this story of leadership in the face of extreme adversity, but to brilliantly articulate the business metaphors and challenges through a twenty-first century corporate lens. This he did with great insight and impact, weaving his own polar experiences in overcoming tremendous personal challenges to achieve the unthinkable. Michael’s life story added real perspective. He inspired delegates with his frankness, humility and engaging presentation style. I would have no hesitation in recommending Michael as a speaker”

 

International Business Leader, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Pharmaceuticals Division

“Direct, considered, inspired and inspirational”
(Engaged to inspire the hearts & minds of a broad European audience of 1000 medical physicians and consultants at the Berlin ICC, “˜Energy to make a difference” Global Anaemia Management Conference. Briefed to highlight where anaemia management is today as an integral part of the quality treatment for cancer patients)

  VP Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management (CRDM) Western Europe + European HR Director, Medtronic Inc

“Michael kicked off our Annual Sales Leadership Conference in Barcelona based on the theme ‘A New Beginning’. He is a powerful, energizing and thoughtful speaker. The immediate stunned silence at the end of his talk followed by the double standing ovation said it all! Michael helped push the team’s mindset to focus on creating success in the future, rather than focus on the issues of the past. An impactful, impressive and inspiring talk”
(Delivered Annual Sales Leadership Kick-off Conference in Barcelona to 100 Senior Sales & Management Team within Medtronic’s CRDM business division. Message focused on change, risk management and reinforcing the companies pioneering spirit. Medtronic is a global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world)

back to top
 

Innovation Director, Luton Enterprise Hub, University of Bedfordshire

“I found Michael’s presentation fantastic. I have listened to hundreds of talks all over the world with speakers from Harvard, MIT, Yale, Seagate Technology, IBM and others; no speaker has ever inspired me so deeply as much as Michael. In fact his talk was the best I’ve ever heard! I am in admiration for what it is he does in his life, not just through his charity work but also in motivating and inspiring society in his capacity as a professional speaker”
(Speaking to an invited audience of business professionals from a variety of industry sectors at the University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Network, part of the University’s 2009 Knowledge Hub that provides a wide range of business services to companies of all sizes)

 

National Programme Manager, Strategy Directorate, Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC)

“Incredibly pleased with how well Michael demonstrated his understanding of our objectives and very impressed with the extent to which he tailored his speech to our needs and the audience of graduates who left this important conference motivated and inspired”
(Amidst the recent negative publicity as a result of the Baby-P case, engaged in June 2009 to inspire and motivate two distinct audiences – high calibre graduates participating in the CWDC’s pilot Graduate Recruitment Scheme (GRS) prior to qualification and entering the social work profession and workforce leads from local authorities who needed to be energized and re-invigorated prior to recruiting new graduates for the GRS programme)

 

Membership Development Manager, Association for Conferences and Events (ACE)

“Your presentation was truly inspiring”
(Invited to deliver guest presentation at the British Dental Association in London in May 2009 to a Group of Conference and Event Industry Professionals. ACE is the UK’s longest established event association)

 

Brand Director, Pfizer

“Excellent, bang on message and inspiring”
(Engaged to deliver keynote at European Product Launch Conference with the objective to motivate and inspire 100 European field-based delegates as part of the launch of a new class of oral HIV drug called Celsentri® (maraviroc). Briefed to reinforce key attributes that underpin the interface between the customer (hospitals) and the field-sales force)

 

National Director, IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative)

We invited Michael to be the guest speaker at our National Awards Dinner in December 2008. This was the first IFI National Awards Dinner staged in the Initiatives eight year history and Michael’s contribution was absolutely central to the success of the evening. He delivered a truly inspirational speech highlighting his ability to overcome challenges in his own life. His ability to inspire was phenomenal. The audience was captivated by his compelling words. Michael had also conducted personal research into the IFI before the evening and as a direct result, his speech had a clear focus on the achievements and impact of the IFI. This added real value and relevance for all attendees as well as appearing to unite everyone in the room with a focus to continue our work. Michael’s sheer grit and determination evidenced in his own life challenges was infectious. His genuine passion is quite obviously his driver. He inspired us all to embrace the message that it is possible to achieve the seemingly unachievable. His message was focused, powerful, inspirational, and lasting. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending Michael as a speaker.

 

Director, Citigroup

“Michael McGrath is recognised as a leader who truly values difference by engaging people and organisations from diverse backgrounds to make a tangible impact in both their workplace and personal lives. Not only a focused achiever but also an exceptional communicator, motivator and veritable champion of difference ~ strong awareness and active involvement in business helped him deliver a well structured lecture that gripped all present with its directness, pace and engaging style. He focused on each of us as individuals and what we can choose to achieve or not depending on our will. He was truly inspiring”
(Invited to deliver the opening event as part of the European Speaker Series sponsored by Credit Suisse Global Diversity and Inclusion Unit held in London to mark the United Nations’ International Day of Disabled Persons)

 

Managing Director Medium Business & Agriculture, UK Banking (Barclays PLC)

“Michael’s can-do presentation at our Barclays UK Banking Senior Leadership Conference was incredibly inspirational – in particular, he really brought to life the commercial imperatives of the diversity agenda, contributing significantly to the overall success of the event”

 

Director, Hertfordshire Sports Partnership

“Michael McGrath superbly delivered the opening keynote address at our inaugural Community Sports Summit held at The Fielder Centre (one of Hertfordshire’s premier purpose-built conference facilities used by commercial businesses, public sector organisations and the University of Hertfordshire). His expertly researched, emotive, thought provoking and enthralling presentation set the scene for a hugely successful event. His life story is a fascinating one and an inspiration to many people. That he was able to portray his experiences in such an interesting, informative and relevant manner to our delegates, was a major plus, and set the benchmark for the rest of the evening’s programme. He had taken the time to research the objectives and context of this important event and was able to connect with the challenges faced by those stakeholders engaged in driving the Sports Delivery System in Hertfordshire. His energy and portfolio of achievement in the face of adversity serves as a exceptional example to all who are privileged to hear him speak”

 

Group Corporate Services Director, Notting Hill Housing Trust

“We invited Michael to speak at our “Lunch ‘n Learn” session here at Notting Hill and I’m thrilled we did. The session was fully-booked, or rather, over-booked, with people standing at the back. It was our most successful event ever! Michael immediately captured the attention of the audience (as well as the fascination with his rather remarkable set of wheels that rise up so that he can see, and be seen). He spoke compellingly of the enormous efforts involved in both assembling a truly diverse team to carry out his remarkable pole2pole expeditions, and movingly about his unique physical challenges. His sheer focus and determination to succeed was palpable. I was struck by the concept of “Shackletonian Leadership”, and have found myself using that expression within the organisation since then. He made a significant impact on the people who heard him and I would without hesitation urge anyone looking for an inspirational speaker to pick up the phone and talk to Michael”
(Triggered by our Disability Equality Duty responsibilities under DDA, we’ve been keen to promote the ‘Ability’ element of the word disAbility. We provide accommodation for over 19,000 households in London, and a significant proportion of our customers have disabilities. In particular, our Home Support division is focused on helping our customers ‘live life to the full’)

 

Club, Coach & Sports Development Manager, Hertfordshire Sports Partnership

“Michael delivered an inspirational presentation at our recent School Sports Coordinators’ Conference hosted at the de Havilland Campus in Hatfield and was met with huge acclaim. Traditionally a difficult audience to please, those present were captivated by Michael’s entertaining, humorous and at times self-deprecating humour which set the tone for a highly productive day. Feedback from his delivery has been extremely positive, so much so that we have already engaged Michael to speak at a number of other forthcoming events which target some of our key partner audiences. We are so fortunate to have someone of this ilk living in our midst in Hertfordshire. You could have heard a pin drop during his action packed delivery and I am confident that sport for young people in Hertfordshire will be richer for his involvement at this Conference”

 

Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs, DHL UK & Ireland

“The reaction of everyone standing up at the end of your keynote delivery at our Senior Management Conference was a massive tribute. I have never seen that before!”

 

Chief Executive, Remploy

“Michael was the keynote speaker at Remploy’s Leading the Way Awards, which recognize the contribution of employers who are exemplars in the employment of disabled people. His personal, inspirational and very amusing presentation was a visible example of what disabled people can do and a spur to all of us to recognize that, if we motivate and drive ourselves and our organizations, there is no limit to what we can achieve. He also had one fantastic and truly original joke, delivered quite superbly!”

 

Head of Communications & Marketing, Employers Forum on Disability

“Michael is an inspirational person who speaks with great eloquence, conviction, humour and passion. His presentation [at Remploy’s Leading the Way Awards] was a thought-provoking and subtle blend of personal experience set against the bigger picture. If you ever want to get a room full of business people thinking about disability in a different way, I would commend him to you”
(Invited to deliver a keynote at Remploy’s prestigious 11th National Leading the Way Awards in London held in association with The Times – as an inspiring role model to disabled people, McGrath was engaged by the country’s leading provider of employment services for disabled people for his knowledge of disability, commercial acumen and his exceptional ability as a sought after motivational speaker to inform, entertain, challenge and engage. The audience were treated to an intelligently woven ‘on message’ performance by McGrath. His presentation not only reinforced the ‘value of difference’ as more businesses capitalize on inclusion but also skillfully recognised the tangible opportunity and competitive edge that ‘diversity as a business imperative’ offers today’s employers of choice)

European Commission ‘EQUAL’ Project Director, Disability Equals Business

“Michael’s personal and professional experience of disability combined with his ability to motivate on all levels made him the perfect keynote speaker for our ‘More Than Enough’ conference in Brussels aimed at influencing policy in the European Parliament. His own contacts within the parliament and professional knowledge of the area meant that Michael brought invaluable weight to our work advising those who influence employers in favour of diversity in the workplace. His speech was truly inspirational and his representation of our organisation and its aims left us in no doubt that, in selecting Michael as our advocate, we had made the perfect choice”
(Addressing 50 MEP’s, EU Disability, Employment Lobbyists and Diversity Professionals in Brussels in support of the Transnational Dissemination Report for the EU ‘Equal’ Project. Delivery focused on the business case for disability, a high-level perspective on the inclusion and employment agenda of disabled people throughout Europe and the positive societal impact in why overcoming social barriers for disabled people makes sense

 

Chairman, The Master Innholders, Richard Ball, FHCIMA MI, Hotelier of the Year 2006

“Our conference ended on a high note as every single one our distinguished delegates and invited guests applauded with a standing ovation. Michael brilliantly captured the mood and demands of the audience before finalising and then delivering his speech that began with a summation of the key messages that had been brought out from the entire conference agenda as well as a degree of dramatic presentation, thus creating powerful continuity with the inspirational message that emerged from his own keynote delivery. An outstanding speaker and commanding communicator”
(Speaking at the 14th Annual Hotel General Managers Conference at The Dorchester Hotel in London organised by The Master Innholders with the conference theme ‘Doing it Differently’, Michael was invited to deliver the final address on day 2 (a slot reserved for high impact speakers) who could end with a strong message engaging an audience of high level hoteliers representing some of the best hotels in the country)

 

HR Director, Shoosmiths Law Firm

“A very professional speaker who took the time to research our organisation to personalise his delivery which further enhanced a talk that can best be described as impactful and thought provoking … a very slick and professional performance”
(Engaging with equity partners and directors of one of the fastest-growing law firms in the UK at their overseas Partner Conference, focusing on the business imperative of diversity, challenging prejudices, influencing mindsets, promoting the benefits of inclusion and inspiring change)

Managing Director, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems UK

“Michael’s presentation at the Café Royal in London exceeded our best expectations on all points. An inspirational talk on his personal achievements at the Poles, not only put into clear context the importance of products like our new SW100 product to people who are meeting the challenge of living with disability on a daily basis, but also stimulated a very lively Q&A session. He made a significant contribution to the overall success of this key launch event and his professional experience as an access champion not only challenged our own understanding of the business issues but also gave the invited audience an excellent overview of current relevant issues. I would have no hesitation in recommending him as a top class motivational speaker and an authority on access issues”
(ASSA ABLOY is the global leader in door opening solutions. The SW100 launch represented a major strategic development for the business. It was therefore critical to the success of this event that we selected a speaker with the credentials and gravitas to be recognised as an authority in the field of accessibility, whilst capable of delivering an informative, inspiring and entertaining presentation that would engage and motivate people to attend)

 

Head of Communications, Aldwyck Housing Group

“Michael McGrath provided the closing keynote address at Aldwyck Housing Group’s Annual Staff Conference, ‘Delivering Excellence’ in November 2008. The conference was attended by nearly 300 staff representing all areas of the business. The event organisers were impressed with the level of preparation Michael undertook ahead of the event itself – requesting a clear brief of our expectations, visiting the venue beforehand to consider logistics, speaking to a number of staff from across the business in getting closer to our business challenges including our Chief Executive. This gave Michael an excellent insight into our organisation and the diverse nature of our work. It also ensured that he had a very clear understanding of our current business issues and our strategic focus moving forwards. He wove this knowledge into his presentation in a way that created a real platform for intellectual engagement with his audience. In line with the event theme, he ‘delivered excellence’ in both his highly professional approach to preparing and delivering his presentation, as well as the example he sets as an individual with an amazing and utterly inspiring story to tell”

Talent Development Lead, Motorola European Mobile Devices

“A great and inspiring story told in a humble and engaging manner. Michael gives of himself in a genuine and authentic way. His belief in what he wants to achieve and his focus came out very strongly capturing the hearts and minds of the audience. He didn’t pretend to be a master at leadership. He spoke from his impressive new “moonwalker” handling the dynamics of this situation very well in both group [answering some 15 questions at Q&A] as well as 1:2:1 scenario’s”
(Engaged to help inspire a newly formed senior management team of 14 individuals to achieve a seemingly impossible task, as part of a 2006 European Business Team Meeting)

Director, NHS Modernisation Initiative

“Huge thanks on behalf of the Modernisation Initiative team for providing us with such an inspirational and motivating keynote speech at our Conference. Feedback has been excellent, enabling us to move forward into the rest of the conference in extremely high spirits. Thank you so much for sharing so much of your personal journey and how you overcame some extreme challenges within your life and your journeys to the Poles. Through expressing those personal experiences, I watched service users, patients, carers, and colleagues reflect on their own personal challenges and consider how they could rise to the occasion in the difficulties they encounter in their own roles. I feel that it is only by people telling real stories and sharing something that is truly about them that people actually learn. Thank you hugely for your candidness. It made a marked difference”

Lead Clinical Specialist, Yorkhill NHS Trust

“A huge inspiration to students and staff alike. Michael left our Glasgow school children with a message of hope, courage and possibilities rather than pre determined probabilities. The pupils listened intently to how Michael prepared, planned and realised his goals, recognising and understanding that with commitment and determination, it’s possible to live out one’s dream. I’ve no doubt that his message will remain with these pupils for the rest of their lives”
(Glasgow welcomed Michael McGrath, the only disabled person in the world to have reached both North and South Poles. He was in Glasgow addressing medical and care professionals, healthcare practitioners and people with neuromuscular disorders at the 7th Annual Scottish Muscle Network Conference. Whilst in Glasgow, he also took time out from his schedule to talk to a number of schools including pupils at Ashcraig School, a Special Education Needs (SEN) secondary school located in the east part of Glasgow where pupils have a range of physical, mental and/or visual impairments)