At the age of 39, Kate Allatt suffered a catastrophic brainstem stroke and was diagnosed with locked in syndrome (LIS), a terrifying condition where you can think, feel, see and hear everything normally, but move absolutely nothing. In the early days, doctors thought she was vegetative and would be ‘better off dead’. Unexpectedly, Kate made an almost full recovery, which shocked doctors and the world’s media. This led her to write her now internationally published book Running Free – Breaking out of Locked-in Syndrome in 2011.
A former 70 mile-a-week fell runner, Kate won Extraordinary Woman in 2011 and founded her registered digital charity just 3 months after leaving the hospital in 2011. She remains a determined, tireless advocate and activist for anyone around the world affected by early LIS. So far, she has travelled as far as New York, Poland, Belfast, Finland, Ireland, Europe as well as England, Amsterdam, Scotland and Wales, visiting patients, in the early stages of the condition, and continuing to give desperate people the belief to try to improve and break free of LIS. Her patient stories of improvement are simply phenomenal.
Kate delivered a TEDx speech and has become a regular inspirational and motivational speaker, trainer, workshop facilitator and head teacher keynote speaker. She also talks to schools and businesses about thinking differently, growth mindset, thinking differently and resiliency. Recently Kate has spoken at The Kings Fund, The NHS Confederation, The Royal College of GP, Medical Students, Queens Nurses, RCN, NHS Leadership, Derma Sciences International (Florida), Sainsbury’s and Cunard’s Queen Victoria.
She was made a Honorary Doctorate Litterarum by Sheffield Hallam University in 2017 – their highest award and considered beyond a PhD – for her global work in stroke advocacy/research since her own illness in 2010. She passionately believed she would not only recover but also make a difference to the lives of others affected by LIS globally. Consequently, she was honoured for her work as a VIP at the Olympic Opening Ceremony in 2012.
Kate also attended The Queens Garden Party in 2014. Kate strives to influence the mindset of the stroke establishment by campaigning on #strokerecovery and mental health issues. She regularly microblogs on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and blogs for The Huffington Post. Kate is regularly asked to be an international media commentator. Winston Churchill’s famous quote inspired Kate to improve in hospital & to be the worldwide advocate, influencers and disrupter she has become: "Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It’s the courage to continue that counts.”
How to hire Kate Allatt
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Kate Allatt for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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"I love the video @kateallatt your courage & determination is truly inspiring. You only live once – no we live every day." - Dame Kelly Holmes, Double Olympic Gold Medallist
"Kate was remarkable and had over 1,000 GPs and students spellbound – I anticipate her rating as one of the highest of conference, and you know that the standard is excellent generally. I can also recommend her book ‘Running Free" - Dr. Helen Stokes-Lampard, Royal College of GPs
"Kate Allatt is an extraordinary woman whose life experience touches the lives of every person she meets. Her drive, passion and determination to overcome all odds placed against her is truly inspirational and motivational, on so many levels. We had the pleasure of having Kate speak at our Global Sales Meeting in January. Kate’s message of strength and perseverance, aspiring to achieve her own goals and not allowing others to set limits for her, is a message that should be heard and followed by all. As individuals, we all face our own challenges. It is our mindset and how we approach these challenges, to keep moving forward, that makes us remarkable in our own way. Thank you, Kate Allatt for sharing your story and being a true example of remarkable inspiration." - Beth A. Joy-Dougherty, Derma Sciences
"Warm, engaging and memorable, our guests were enthralled by Kate Allatt and her inspiring story." - Phillipa Charles, The Garfield Weston Foundation
AphA (Association of Professional Healthcare Analysts) were delighted to welcome Dr Kate Allatt to speak at our annual national conference on 20th May 2022. She was very well received by our audience who responded with an outpouring of praise for her inspiration and motivation. We had laughter and tears and she kept us captivated throughout. And we’re still talking about her, her name keeps cropping up in meetings!! I would highly recommend her without any hesitation. - Jane Johnston, AphA Executive Director
