Lucky

The Sunday Times Bestseller

From tragedy to triumph, one step at a time – an inspirational story of triumph over adversity against the odds

At just 28 years old, Ed Jackson was told he would never walk again. After a miscalculated dive into a pool, he suffered multiple cardiac arrests, a broken neck and a partially severed spinal cord. Lying paralysed in intensive care, the former rugby player knew his life would never be the same. But he wasn’t ready to give up hope.

Driven by relentless determination, Ed embarked on an incredible journey to independence. Millimetre by millimetre, he began to regain movement in his fingers and toes. Defying the expectations of even the most optimistic doctors, step by step, Ed began to walk again.

Fuelled by a renewed appreciation for life and a determination to help others suffering similar injuries to his own, Ed set his sights on a new challenge: mountaineering. Embarking on a gruelling climb to raise funds for a spinal unit in Kathmandu, Ed realises that, once again, the odds are stacked against him. Will he be able to overcome his own life-changing injury and transform others’ lives for the better?

Lucky is the story of how Ed faced the impossible when it seemed all hope was lost, and shows how you, too, can overcome the biggest challenges that life sends your way.

Lucky was a Sunday Times bestseller in the w/b August 9th 2021

About the Author

Ed Jackson is an English former professional rugby union player who played for a number of sides in England and Wales, including Bath and London Wasps. He represented England and captained both U16 and U18 teams before his career was cut short through a life-changing spinal injury. Instead of accepting his fate, Ed focused on regaining millimeters of movement in his toe and set himself the task of summiting Mount Snowden. One year on from his accident, Ed defied medical opinion and achieved his goal. Ed has subsequently set up a charity focused events company, Millimeters to Mountains, which raises money for various causes.

They are currently aiming to raise GBP250,000 for a new spinal injury unit in Nepal. Ed also raises awareness of our ability to adapt to change through his work as a keynote speaker. Ed adds to his busy schedule by working as a reporter for Channel 4's rugby coverage. He will also be one of the key presenters for Channel 4's coverage of the Paralympics.