When the Goalposts Shift
What it is;
A one-hour presentation aimed primarily at schools
How it started;
"How does one come to terms with a dramatic shift in life’s goalposts? How does it change one’s view of the world? Following illustrious sporting careers as both England rugby player and professional cricketer, Alastair Hignell became a leading BBC sports commentator. After diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis he became a legendary and tireless fund-raiser, and was awarded the CBE for his services to sport and to charity. Exploring these questions, he talks about his inspirational life and work."
(Times Cheltenham Literary Festival)
What it became;
Alastair Hignell’s life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with incurable Multiple Sclerosis. But inspired by the words of Sir Clive Woodward, the example of Jonny Wilkinson, and the sayings and doings of other great figures from the world of sport and history he arrived at a unique way of responding to adversity set-backs. No matter how traumatic the life-changing event, Higgy’s message applies to all people everywhere and is a powerful philosophy for life in the 21st century.
Find out how characters as diverse as Christopher Columbus, Friedrich Nietzsche and George Gregan informed Higgy’s thinking. Be prepared to be illuminated, informed and entertained by a man described as "one of the most inspiring personalities of our age".
What they say about it...
"My daughter came back from school today, completely and absolutely inspired and overwhelmed (in the best possible way) by what you told her and her friends. To see my daughter's response to your talk was as fantastic for me as the talk clearly was for her." The parent
"What an amazing lecture – I felt privileged to have been able to hear it. I hope the students realise what valuable advice he gave!" The teacher
"Thanks again for your Morning Talk – the pupils have been talking about it, several staff mentioned how much they enjoyed it and found your words inspiring. I also took some of your ideas and 'blogged' them to the parent body. Good luck in continuing this sort of work, it is important for the young people to hear from ‘real’ lives, real challenges and your very strong sense of positivity and purpose for the future." The Head
"Thank you so much for coming to our school and sharing your story. It's really taught us to appreciate what we have and not to worry about mistakes we have made and might make in the future." The student
Other Speaking
I speak at School Speech Days, Health Conferences, Special Interest Societies as well as Sporting Dinners.
Recent engagements include: Speech Days at Haileybury, Denstone college and Bristol Cathedral School; the Oldie Literary Lunch; Cheltenham Cricket Society; Mutual Support Health Conference; Opening of new SAMS centre in Stone, Staffs.; Gloucester 7 Rotary Club; Devizes Rugby Club; Sussex C.C.C. Boundary Club; Kendleshire Golf Club.
I am a frequent contributor on BBC TVs Points West and a regular guest on Radio 5Live discussion programmes.
I have done voice-overs for commercial television programmes and independent production companies.
If you wish to hire me to speak at an event, conference or dinner please contact me.
