A WHEELCHAIR rugby player who competed at the 2012 Paralympics will share his thoughts on staying resilient in the face of challenges when he addresses one of the regional business calendar’s social highlights.

Aaron Phipps is the headline speaker at the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Southampton Boat Show lunch.

The 35-year-old, from Totton near Southampton, is the only disabled British person to have climbed Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, unassisted.

Because of difficult terrain on the higher slopes, he was forced to leave his wheelchair, strap knee pads to his legs and crawl on his hands and knees for four days to reach the summit.

He achieved the feat to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation who helped him when he contracted the disease aged just 15 and had to have both his legs and most of his fingers amputated.

Aaron has competed in the Wheelchair Rugby World Championship this year and has come out of ‘Paralympic retirement’ to prepare for a possible place in Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Aaron, who is married with two daughters and is a Sky Sports Living for Sport athlete mentor, said: “My story is all about being resilient in the face of challenges, making positive choices and digging deep when you have to.

“I believe that is a message business leaders in the audience will be able to relate to readily as it applies in so much of the commercial world as well.”

Maureen Frost, Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive, said: “Aaron has a remarkable story to tell about overcoming hurdles to become a top sportsman, fundraiser and motivator.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming him as our guest speaker at what is typically one of the most popular events on our calendar.

“It’s especially pleasing as this is the fiftieth year that Hampshire Chamber has been involved with the Boat Show.”

The Hampshire Chamber Boat Show lunch takes place at the Grand Harbour Hotel on the opening day of the Theyachtmarket.com Southampton Boat Show, Friday, September 14.

Tickets include a complimentary pass to enter the show, one of the biggest of its kind in the UK and boasting thousands of boats and craft to view.

The lunch, including a drinks reception and networking, is sponsored by facilities management provider Norse South East.

For more information and booking details, visit hampshirechamber.co.uk.