Adventurer inspires Congress delegates
Mark Beaumont was named Top Scot 2011 in recognition of his work with young people, charity and his sporting achievements.
BSAVA Congress 2016 officially got underway this afternoon at the ICC Arena in Birmingham, with a keynote speech given by record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont.
In an inspirational lecture, Mark picked out some of the highs and lows of his adventures over the years, inspiring delegates under the theme 'taking on the impossible'.
"When you make a living out of trying to do something significantly different than what has gone before, you are going to face more doubt than you do support," said Mark.
"What we tend to do is look at history, see what's gone before do our research, and then base our targets on what's gone before. With a bit of confidence we think we can repeat history, but a a little better."
Mark Beaumont's first taste for adventure was at the age 11, when he decided to cycle across Scotland.
This passion for endurance has taken him around the world, from top to bottom and to some of the most unforgiving corners of the globe.
Breaking world records and completing world firsts have always been Mark's hallmark. However, he is also well known for his television documentaries, which have taken viewers to over 100 countries around the globe.
Off the bike, Mark has rowed through the high arctic and even survived capsizing whilst rowing the Atlantic.
As well as raising thousands of pounds for charity, Mark was named Top Scot 2011 in recognition of his work with young people, charity and his sporting achievements.
"The greatest feedback from my tales or talks or other broadcasting is that my stories have given people the confidence to take on their own ambitions and allowed them to see their situation clearer," said Mark
Mark's speech was preceded by a welcome address from BSAVA president Patricia Colville and the presentation of the BSAVA Awards.
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