Social entrepreneurs, and inspirational duo, Rob and Paul Forkan are brothers who were inspired by their late parents to start a charity campaign. Driven by their own heart wrenching experience of natural disaster, the Forkan brothers have since devoted a decade to their business that offers hope to others orphans of the incident. An incredible story of love, loss and courage that has led to an internationally renowned business venture, Rob and Paul offer a truly unique experience to an audience as after dinner speakers.
Born out of the desire to follow the beliefs of their parents, Rob and Paul Forkan founded Gandys and Orphans for Orphans in 2012. The non for profit business began by selling flip flops in order to raise funds for their orphanage project that cared for children left without parents after the 2004 Boxing day tsunami, a situation the Forkan's found themselves in. In 2014, Rob and Paul officially opened their first children’s home that supports orphans with education, sports and development in Sri Lanka, a huge achievement to mark a decade since the catastrophic event.
In their early teens, Rob and Paul, along with their younger siblings, were taken out of the traditional school system in the UK. Believing a life of adventure, travel and experiences would enable them to be more fulfilled and knowledgeable, the brothers’ parents began taking them around the world to help those less fortunate and learn about cultures. On Boxing Day 2004, the family were in Sri Lanka when the devastating tsunami hit and amongst those killed in the incident were Rob and Paul’s parents. After narrowly avoiding death themselves, the brothers decided to create a venture to help others and honour their parents.
Growing from strength to strength, Rob and Paul’s company, Gandys has since released a full collection of products for travellers including: backpacks, towels and swimwear. The swim collection was stocked by John Lewis and was an instant sell out and their apparel was even worn by the Duke of Cambridge. After opening their first store premises in London in 2016, it was evident that this duo were not only inspirational philanthropists but impressive entrepreneurs too.
An entrepreneurial venture built on the basis of carrying on a legacy and providing hope for orphans across the world, turned out to be a hugely successful business structure that attracted the attention of thousands. Two brothers, one mission - hear the incredible story straight from the horse's mouth, and be inspired to bring about influential change yourself or as a business, with a keynote speech from Rob and Paul Forkan.
How to hire Rob & Paul Forkan
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Rob & Paul Forkan 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.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
When they're at corporate events, Rob and Paul are known to cover the following topics:
- Overcoming adversity
- Entrepreneurship
- Sustainability and environment
- Travel and transport
- Education and youth
"It was very inspirational and emotional at times, I saw lots of posts on social media when people were truly inspired and eager to spread your message. I am sure the brand will develop into a great global brand over time and as some of our delegates said – ‘a legend in the making’"
"Rob was fantastic, we have had such amazing feedback from the event and so many people saying how inspiring his talk was. The audience was engaged, he was interesting, inspiring and entertaining. He stayed for a while too which was really great. Thank you so much for all your help"
