Lee Spencer
I am the World Record Holder for Rowing the Atlantic solo from Europe to South America. I was part of the first disabled crew to Row any Ocean, and I hold four Guinness World Records. I was a Former Royal Marine Commando.
BIO
Lee Spencer BEM, grew up in very difficult circumstances in a home dominated by alcoholism and violence and despite being told that he wasn’t what they were looking for, joined the Royal Marine Commandos in 1992. He completed operational tours of Northern Ireland and Iraq where he led a section in the first wave on the assault of the Al Faw peninsula. Lee then served as a troop Sergeant before qualifying for special duties and subsequently undertook 3 tours of Afghanistan working in an undercover and covert role within the Human Intelligence sphere.
In January 2014 whilst helping motorists who had crashed into a motorway central reservation, Lee lost his right leg below the knee having been hit by debris from a further crash. Conscious throughout, Lee was able to utilise his military training to save his own life by instructing a passer-by to apply a tourniquet. Lee was awarded the High Chief Constables award for his selfless actions on the night.
In 2015 as a crew member of Row2Recovery’s all amputee crew of four, Lee rowed across the Atlantic from La Gomera in the Canaries to Antigua and into the Guinness world record books, as the first physically disabled crew of four to row any ocean.
In January 2019, Lee set off from Portimão, Portugal to attempt rowing solo and unsupported from mainland Europe to mainland South America. 60 days, 16 hours and 6 minutes later, he rowed into Cayenne, French Guiana not only becoming the first physically disabled person to do so and completing the longest solo row of any disabled person, he beat the able bodied record by an astonishing 36 days: A further 3 Guinness World Records. In December 2019 Lee was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to charity having raised over a quarter of a million pounds.
A natural and engaging speaker, Lee’s incredible personal story of courage, determination leadership and overcoming adversity has captivated a range of audiences: From business conferences to after dinner gala events, from festivals to elite and national sports teams including the England senior men’s team in their pre 2018 World Cup training.
Testimonials:
“You’ve inspired thousands if not millions of people. Anyone who comes up against struggles on a day-to-day basis.” HRH The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry
"There were some brilliant and inspirational stories shared and when those guys walk in it has a big impact on the group." Gareth Southgate - England Football manager
“That was a real eye-opener, He’s been through adversity and he’s not going to let that stop him.”
Danny Rose - England Football international
“Lee ‘Frank’ Spencer is a wonderful speaker, storyteller, and has genuinely lived a life of courage and humour most of us couldn’t dream of. If you’re looking for a speaker, check him out.”
Dr Pippa Grange - Sports Psychologist and former head of People and Team Development at the Football Association.
“A truly inspirational insight into what is possible without limitations, with the right mindset and values at the forefront of everything.”
Gemma Grainger- Women’s National Team Manager, Football Association of Wales
“Lee (Frank) Spencer is one of the most inspirational people I have ever encountered. I offer Lee my highest possible unreserved recommendation and fully endorse him as a powerful and authentic speaker who will touch both the hearts and minds of any audience.”
Scotty Mills - Published Author, Global Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach, Leadership and Culture Specialist
“Lee is one of the best public speakers I have ever seen in real life. If your company, event, or organisation is looking for someone truly motivational and inspiring I could not recommend Lee more, you will not be disappointed.”
Mark Wright – Entrepreneur, Speaker, Winner of The Apprentice and Director of Climb Online
“I was really inspired by your visit to the DMRC event on Tuesday. You are a massive influence on me from now. An absolute pleasure to be in the presence of a living legend”.
Mathew Wood CeMap CertPFS DipFA - deVere Mortgages
“Excellent; Had some guests in tears with his down to earth matter of fact recounting of his accident and subsequent struggles. Audiences warmed to him immediately. Audiences loved him.”
Cunard Cruises
“The recruits absolutely loved it, your story of your courage and perseverance, along with your honesty in overcoming failure and physical challenges absolutely hit the mark with the recruits under rehabilitation.” Major Tommy McPhee Royal Marines - Officer Commanding Hunter Company, Commando Training Centre Royal Marines. (Hunter Company is the dedicated centre of excellence for treating Royal Marines recruits injured in training.)
An inspirational man, showing what can be achieved regardless of the situation. I have no reservation in recommending Lee as a speaker and would encourage everyone to hear his story and be inspired and moved by him.” Dominic Conway - Digital Product Manager, J.P. Morgan
“Lee is quite simply an inspirational motivational speaker who is perfect for any kind of audience of whatever size and age. He has the skill to read those present in a room, and to pitch his delivery just right for them, whether they are global businesspeople or primary school children.”
Jonathon Ball, Chief Executive - The Royal Marines Charity
“I’ve heard Lee speak on a number of occasions and I’m always amazed at how he tells his incredible story with the most humble of deliveries. Lee is authentic, inspirational and always entertaining.”
David Wiseman - Head of Programmes at the Royal Foundation . Supporting Those Who Serve