Never give up...Never ever give up!
Encouraged by his family that anything is possible, Paul Hockey discarded his prosthetic limb at an early age, and developed a keen interest in martial arts by the age of eight. This continued and having trained in Hapkido and Shaolin Kung Fu, the martial arts expert has three black belts. He has gone on to teach others in martial arts, and after living in Japan and teaching English, he too speaks fluent Japanese. Paul still rides a high-powered motorcycle today, and drives 50-seat coaches as a Japanese-speaking tour guide.
Paul Hockey doesn’t claim to be a mountaineering expert, and in fact had no experience at all when he decided to take on Mount Everest. He travelled to New Zealand to study and train with some of the best mountaineers. At 7,000 meters and the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, Paul then climbed Mount Aconcagua in South America. He returned to Australia and continued to train for the next twelve months with his 25kg pack filled with local telephone books to further prepare him for his Everest goal. Ironically, he would later become the face and cover of the telephone book.
On his first Everest attempt he ran out of time and oxygen, and had no choice but to turn around, a harrowing 280 metres short of the summit. Paul went home not defeated, but even more determined to train harder and return to what he had set out to achieve exactly one year earlier. He did just that on 5th June 2005 at 07:42hrs.
Talking Points
Motivational Keynotes
Paul Hockey's Mount Everest journey, determination to succeed and his ability to challenge the dream-takers are all extraordinary. Paul’s positive attitude and self belief have seen him defy the odds and perceived logic for an amputee, time and time again. Motivational Keynotes
Paul travels around Australia and internationally as a motivational speaker, and in doing so is increasing awareness for cancer & cancer research. Having lost his mother, father, stepfather, aunt and brother in-law to cancer, Paul is passionate about making a difference. His enthusiasm, courage and mental strength are truly inspirational.
Paul explains how his very diverse martial arts background allowed him to achieve any task or goal by constantly using his improvise, adapt and overcome approach.
Paul's relaxed yet powerful speaking style and his amazing story appeals to any audience.
Paul's key messages:
- Motivation
- Inspiration
- Improvise and adapt to successfully overcome any challenge
- Believing in yourself & your abilities
- Never give up...never ever give up!
Paul works directly with his client from the initial enquiry right through to event date to ensure he is working on your team, and to deliver specific and key messages to his targeted audience.
Video
PAUL HOCKEY - "Never give up...never ever give up!"
The most inspiring person I have ever met. Tells his story in a way that has you smiling or shaking your head in amazement. A great Australian. ... keep reading Commonwealth Bank
Very well received. Interesting topic and had loads of questions. Paul is a great story teller.
The most inspiring person I have ever met. A man who has achieved the ultimate goal, the persistence, the courage just had me in awe of the mental strength that was required. Tells his story in a way that has you smiling or shaking your head in amazement. A great Australian
Paul's story is inspirational and should be heard by as many Australians as possible. His inborn attributes of courage, vision, enthusiasm and endurance can be of immense benefit to us all
Paul was a sensation. He interpreted the brief with no additional guidance and delivered a presentation in each instance that was well above our expectations. The reaction from our audience was overwhelming and Paul's presentation has enhanced the relationship Tower now has with each of the attendees at this session
