Maj. David Bradley

Major David Bradley grew up on his family’s farm in East Kent before attending theUniversity of Cardiff. In 1992 David began officer training at theRoyal Military Academy Sandhurstafter graduating in Ancient History and Religious Studies. In 1993, he was commissioned to the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment. As a young infantry officer, David served on operation in Northern Ireland as well as Germany, Canada and Germany. David is a favorite on the after dinner speaker circuit for his courageous story and motivational tales.

In 1999, David was posted to 4th Armoured Brigade, serving in Kosovo for 4 months before returning to take command of B Company. Soon after David returned, he was sent with his brigade to Iraq, in what would be an extremely difficult tour. Tasked with trying to rebuild local towns and cities whilst regularly being confronted with mortar, rocket and machine gun attacks, the violence culminated with a 3 hour battle trying to rescue an isolated patrol in the centre of Basra. David was left with severe injuries to his chest, shoulder, right eye and hand, at the time the field hospital gave him only a 5% chance of survival. A shocking tale, David has audiences in awe when describing this fearsome battle as a motivational speaker.

However after 4 years of rehabilitation and 20 operations David returned to run the family farm in Kent. Inspired by other amputee running marathons, David wanted to test his arm and shoulder and entered the Devizes toWestminster Canoe Racewith a friend. On 22 March 2008, after 27 hours, 125 miles, 77 locks and the worst conditions in 60 years, the pair finished and managed to raise £22,000 for Help for Heroes in the process. A prime example of an individual overcoming adversity, Bradley is a highly respected motivational speaker and after dinner speaker.