Iain Ward

Iain Ward, known to millions as ‘The King of Chemo’, is a one-of-a-kind keynote speaker whose message fuses raw honesty, gallows humour, and inspiring determination. A terminal brain cancer diagnosis in his early thirties could have defined his legacy - but instead, Iain chose to fight back with purpose. Now on a mission to break the world record for the most money raised by running a marathon, he has transformed his diagnosis into a global movement. Through his powerful storytelling and relentless optimism, Iain inspires audiences to face adversity head-on, embrace resilience, and act boldly in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

Iain’s journey began in 2019 when he volunteered for a medical trial that unexpectedly revealed a tumour in his brain. At the time, he was a fitness instructor and video game content creator with no symptoms - just a healthy curiosity and a desire to earn a bit of extra money. His world changed after the tumour was confirmed as Stage 3 brain cancer, requiring him to undergo awake brain surgery just after his 31st birthday. Rather than retreat, Iain took the bold step of turning his diagnosis into his life’s purpose, vowing to dedicate his remaining years to something meaningful: record-breaking fundraising for cancer charities.

Since then, Iain’s accomplishments have captured international attention. He has become a headline speaker at the World Cancer Congress, completed multiple global marathons, and completed the Great World Race, a seven marathon stretch across seven continents in only seven days. Backed by major sponsors including MyProtein and VivoBarefoot, Iain’s social media presence has soared, with over 6 million Instagram and 5 million TikTok followers rallying behind his cause. The American Cancer Society has even created a dedicated donation page for his world record attempt - an honour rarely given to individual fundraisers. His bold approach and viral content have earned him appearances on CNN, Ireland AM, Tamron Hall and a guest spot on the Let’s Talk Cancer podcast. Additionally, he has been a frequent feature on many leading podcasts and highly-regarded shows, sharing his experiences and insights with a wider audience across the globe.

Audiences hire Iain because he’s as authentic as they come. His keynote topics - health and wellness, facing adversity, mental health, and fundraising innovation - are grounded in lived experience and delivered with unmatched energy. Iain doesn’t just talk about resilience - he lives it, proving daily that people are not defined by their setbacks but by how they choose to rise. Engaging, inspiring, and unforgettable, Iain is the speaker who reminds us all what it truly means to make every second count.