OUR STORY
THE FOUNDATION
Darren's journey began on the rock faces and mountains of the world, climbing and exploring alongside his lifelong friend, Matt Luxton...
In August 2016, a devastating fall from a 500-foot cliff in North Wales left Darren with a severe Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), paralysed from the chest down. Against all odds, Matt saved his life that day - but Darren's greatest challenge was only just beginning....
After five months in intensive care and a spinal injury unit, Darren was forced to confront a new reality. The life he once knew had changed forever.
That journey began with a single kayak. Shortly after leaving rehabilitation, Darren and his friends travelled to Manchester to buy a sea kayak. From there: representing Great Britain in Paracanoe, assembling a team of injured veterans to kayak 1,400 kilometres from Land's End to John O'Groats, rowing across the English Channel, sit-skiing across Europe's largest ice cap, and completing seven marathons in seven days across seven continents.
In December 2025, Darren led his most ambitious challenge yet - a world-first attempt to sit-ski to the South Pole, an expedition he named Redefining Impossible. The expedition was never solely about the destination. It was about challenging perceptions, redefining limitations, and proving what is possible in the face of adversity.
It was in Antarctica, on the vast and unforgiving polar plateau, that the idea for the Redefining Impossible Foundation was born.
The Redefining Impossible Foundation exists to support individuals with disabilities in the critical early stages following life-changing trauma - empowering them to redefine what they once believed was impossible.
Through the power of adventure, challenge, and community, we create an environment where barriers do not dictate outcomes, and where individuals are supported to rebuild confidence, rediscover purpose, and explore what is still possible.
We focus on the critical first years post-trauma, a period that can be defined by uncertainty, loss of identity, and unanswered questions about the future. It is also a window of immense potential. With the right support, environment, and opportunities, this moment can become the starting point for transformation.
Our Mission
Darren Edwards
Founder
After a life-changing climbing accident left him paralysed from the cheat down, Darren became a ground-breaking Adaptive Adventurer and Expedition Leader. His passion for adventure his equalled by his passion for enabling others with disabilities to access the great outdoors – the Foundation is his way of opening opportunities to others who have experienced life-changing trauma.
Elizabeth Winfield
Trustee
Elizabeth Winfield is a leader dedicated to supporting individual journeys of growth post-injury. As a Board Member of Redefining Impossible, she brings deep experience in adaptive sport, wellbeing, and international programme delivery. Elizabeth has led pioneering initiatives across British Biathlon and the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team, championing resilience, community, and access to life-changing opportunities. She is driven by the belief that adventure should be accessible to all.
Ollie Thorn
Trustee
After a 2012 accident left him paralysed, Ollie used adventure to reclaim a life he thought was lost. He has since competed as a downhill sit-ski racer and now advises and delivers keynote talks to global organisations on performance and culture. As a father of two and Vice Chair of a major humanitarian organisation, Ollie blends executive leadership with lived experience. He is dedicated to helping others with disabilities access the same life-changing challenges that rebuilt his own world - proving that adventure isn’t just a hobby; it’s a powerful tool for transformation.
Rhiannon Stokes
Trustee
Rhiannon is an Occupational Therapist, Case Manager, and Managing Director of her own case management company, with over 30 years’ experience in health and social care. She also works as an Expert Witness, specialising in catastrophic injuries and rehabilitation. Rhiannon has led and supported adapted trips to Africa and accessible ski trips. A passionate rugby player, she understands the power of teamwork and finding your tribe. As a trustee, she is driven to help individuals with life-changing disabilities rebuild confidence, develop strong social connections, and rediscover a sense of purpose through adventure.
Andrew (Bob) Taylor
Trustee
Andrew (known as Bob) Taylor served 37 years in the British Army. He started as an Infantryman with the Parachute Regiment for seven years before transferring into the Royal Army Physical Corps (RAPTC). He commissioned from the ranks after being the Corps Regimental Sergeant Major, eventually retiring in 2018 as Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his service life, he was heavily involved in all aspects of adventurous training, from participant to leader and instructor. He has led expeditions all over the world and in multi-disciplines – Sub-Aqua Diving a favourite of his. On his retirement from the military, he took up a role with the Civil Service’s Defence Safety Authority as the organisation’s Adventurous Training Safety Regulator. Bob retired from this role in 2024 to play more golf and apply his wealth of experience to the Redefining Impossible Foundation mission.