A paralympian who has overcome significant hurdles within her own life will offer words of inspiration at this year’s UK Oil & Gas Industry Safety Awards.
Karen Darke was just 21-years-old when she fell while climbing up a cliff in Aberdeen, leaving her paralysed from the chest down.
The 43-year-old had always loved the outdoors, even prior to her accident, and after watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics decided she wanted to compete in London four years later.
That momentary aspiration has since turned into reality for the silver medallist, who will speak to nominees and guests at the event in Aberdeen next week.
As the energy sector currently faces challenges of its own Ms Darke said it could be an opportunity to do things differently.
She added: “I see the challenges of life as being like ‘clouds’ in the sky.
“The clouds as well as being challenges are opportunities to do things differently, to be more innovative, to de-junk or get more efficient, to create new things, and to change our perspective.
“When the ‘clouds’ of life come along, I find it important to ask three questions…What can I / we learn from this? How can I / we use this to make us stronger? How can I / we use this to help ourselves or others in the future?”
Following her life-changing incident, the talented sportswoman has completed many challenges, which include climbing up the overhanging cliff of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, USA.
Karen has also handcycled the length of the Japanese archipelago, sea-kayaked a 1200 mile length of the Canada-Alaska coastline and crossed the Indian Himalaya by handcycle.
She said facing her fear of climbing had been the biggest mental challenge to overcome since being injured.
Karen said: “The biggest mental challenge I’ve faced since in terms of adventure was going back to face my fear of climbing, and climbing up the Old Man of Stoer and then the kilometre high overhanging cliff of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, USA.
“The concept of hanging off a cliff with my life dependent on a rope and a few bolts I knew nothing about seemed crazy, but I used extra safety and all sorts of psychology tricks to work through it.
“I guess overcoming the shock of becoming paralysed in the first place was the hardest thing of all though, but ultimately it was down to a simple choice: live life as fully and enthusiastically as possible, regardless of being in a wheelchair…or else sit around and be miserable. It wasn’t a difficult choice to make!”
Robert Paterson, health and safety director of Oil & Gas UK said he was delighted to have such a motivational speaker at the event.
He added: “Karen Darke has led an astonishing life overcoming adversity to complete the most gruelling feats that would daunt even the fittest of athletes.”
The UK Oil & Gas Industry Safety Awards will take place on Wednesday, April 29. Bookings can be made by contacting events@oilandgasuk.co.uk
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