From the Rugby Field to the Summit: Ed Jackson's Remarkable Journey

A Life-Altering Moment

In April 2017, Ed Jackson, a professional rugby player with a promising career, faced a life-changing event. A dive into the shallow end of a swimming pool resulted in a fractured C6/C7 joint dislocation, leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors informed him that he might never walk again.​

Defying the Odds

Determined to overcome his prognosis, Ed embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation journey. His initial goal was modest: to move just a toe. Through relentless effort and determination, he gradually regained mobility. Remarkably, less than a year after his accident, Ed climbed Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, to raise funds for a charity supporting injured rugby players.​

Scaling New Heights

Ed's passion for mountaineering didn't stop there. He went on to summit peaks like the Matterhorn and Nepal's Himlung Himal, standing at over 7,000 meters. His journey from paralysis to conquering mountains is chronicled in the documentary The Mountain Within Me, which showcases his physical and emotional challenges and triumphs.​

Turning Adversity into Purpose

Beyond personal achievements, Ed co-founded the charity Millimeters 2 Mountains (M2M) with his wife, Lois. The organization aims to help others overcome trauma through outdoor challenges and adventures.

Reflecting on his journey, Ed shared:​