Jamie Cartwright

Survivor, Advocate & Public Speaker

survivor
Jamie Cartwright delivers a powerful narrative of resilience, transforming his harrowing experiences of childhood trauma and lost football dreams into a mission to inspire and support fellow survivors through candid public speaking engagements.

He’s no longer a victim, he’s a true Survivor

Born into a working-class family, and growing up through the 80’s, Jamie felt the desperation of the mining community losing their lifeblood due to Thatcherism.

His father a high-ranking police officer demanded respect and instilled the values of a ‘true man’ – don’t show pain, weakness or emotion.  Jamie was blessed with a football talent that could free him and his family financially.

Succeeding at school both academically and socially while at the weekends being peppered with professional footballer scouts wanting his signature Jamie had the world at his feet.

Mustering the courage to be honest with himself he got the right professional help, started on the road to recovery and finally after 25 years told his truth to the world on the brutal Channel 4 hit show SAS Who Dares Wins.

Listen to Jamie’s brutally honest account of how he survived the physical and psychological damage of childhood trauma, wrestled the torment of emotions while hiding his secret to the world and as a result the debilitating mental health struggles.

He’ll explain and dissect the rollercoaster of emotions when trying to succeed in the cutthroat world of professional football, the expectation combined with crippling fear and anxiety of failure and ultimately his lost dream of ‘making it’.

He’ll discuss and explain the paralysing self-loathing that develops from living the public lie of happiness while dealing with excruciating pain in private.

“It’s a true story that everyone should hear, simply inspiring. A guaranteed roller coaster of emotions”

Jamie is a truly exceptional person; I feel he has turned his challenges in life into opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
His willingness to share his story resonates deeply with our university’s commitment to be supportive and inclusive. Jamie’s words sparked conversations in class about resilience, mental health issues, disclosure, and trust. Most importantly, throughout his lecture, Jamie teaches my students the importance of creating a compassionate rapport with children and young people who they serve.
Carmel Henshall
Senior Lecturer / Programme Leader, Liverpool John Moores University
Jamie has the ability to share a story in an incredibly powerful manner. His articulation of his story is engaging to the point of complete and utter silence from his audience, something I have never experienced running events with speakers over the past 15 years. The value of his words have a profound impact on the audience, driving understanding, desire to change and the want to create a safer place for all to take part in sport and physical activity.
I would highly recommend Jamie as a speaker and as an exceptional human being.
David Monkhouse
Director, Active Insight
Jamie's session was thought provoking, truly inspiring, and incredibly moving. The entire room was captivated. Jamie's down to earth and humble personality made him extremely relatable, and hugely likeable.
His passion and grit really shone through with every word. If you're lucky enough to get the opportunity to hire Jamie as a speaker at your event, don't hesitate, he will undoubtedly level-up the experience and be the speaker everyone talks about for months to come!
Joanna Walker
Head of Marketing UKI, Xplor Gym
Are you looking to ignite the flames of passion and courage within your teams, whilst hearing about truly life changing accounts? Look no further than Jamie Cartwright. With an unparalleled energy and unwavering courage, Jamie captivates audiences with his dynamic presence and powerful and emotional message.
Whether it's rallying a team, inspiring change, or igniting enthusiasm, Jamie delivers with authenticity. His ability to infuse every word with contagious energy and unwavering courage leaves audiences inspired and ready to take on any challenge.
Mark Learnihan
Business Development Director, Freedom Leisure
Jamie gave the keynote presentation at our annual manager’s meeting last year. He talked about his life experiences, how he had overcome adversity and how this had shaped him in both his business and personal life. I can honestly say that his story and presentation skills had the greatest impact that we have ever had at one of our conferences—you could literally hear a pin drop the whole way through.
Paul Ramsey
Managing Director, 3D Leisure
I have had the pleasure and honour of hearing Jamie present his story and on both occasions, in a filled room, you could hear a pin drop. Jamie’s story is moving, heart-breaking and inspiring. His presentation style helps the audience through, at times, some difficult content. He has a brilliant way of uplifting an audience whilst not losing sight of the important message he shares.
I highly recommend listening to Jamie’s story, particularly at events relating to safeguarding and child welfare.
Tara Dilion
CEO, CIMSPA

Get in touch

Jamie is available for keynote public speaking events; conferences, corporates, High Schools, universities and any place where the audience needs inspiring!

The simple aim is in the hope that it reminds survivors, especially men and boys, that they are not alone, whilst educating others on a true story of survival, courage and a fight to be the person you deserve to be.

This is Jamie’s story…

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